Your Ultimate Guide To Chrysanthemums

Your Ultimate Guide To Chrysanthemums

G'day, flower lovers! Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of chrysanthemums, or as we Aussies like to call them, "mums". These beautiful blooms are a favourite for Mother's Day and bring a splash of colour to our gardens in autumn. Let's explore everything you need to know about these fantastic flowers!

What are Chrysanthemums?

Chrysanthemums, scientifically known as Chrysanthemum, are flowering plants that belong to the daisy family. They originally come from East Asia and northeastern Europe, but nowadays, you can find them all over the world, including right here in Australia.

The name "chrysanthemum" comes from two Greek words: "chrysos" meaning gold, and "anthemon" meaning flower. This makes sense because the first chrysanthemums were golden yellow.

Types of Chrysanthemums

There are heaps of different types of chrysanthemums, each with its own unique look. Here are some of the most common ones you might see:

  1. Single: These look like daisies with a single row of petals.
  2. Decorative: They have lots of petals that are flat on the back and slightly curved on top.
  3. Pompom: These are small, round, and fluffy, like little pom-poms.
  4. Spider: These have long, thin petals that droop down and curl at the ends.
  5. Quill: Their petals are thin and tube-like.

Learn more about Different Types of Chrysanthemums

Colours of Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums come in a rainbow of colours! Naturally, they're found in shades of white, yellow, and pink. But clever gardeners have created many more colours over the years. Now you can find mums in:

  • White
  • Yellow
  • Pink
  • Red
  • Purple
  • Orange
  • Green
  • Burgundy

Some even have two colours in one flower!

Growing Chrysanthemums in Australia

If you want to grow your own mums, here's what you need to know:

  1. When to plant: In most parts of Australia, it's best to plant chrysanthemums in May.
  2. Sunlight: Mums love the sun! Make sure they get plenty of light during the day.
  3. Soil: They like rich soil that drains well. If your veggies grow well in it, your mums probably will too.
  4. Water: Give them a good drink in warm weather, but don't let their roots get too wet.
  5. Climate: Chrysanthemums prefer cool to mild temperatures, which is why they do so well in autumn.

Chrysanthemums in Australian Seasons

In Australia, chrysanthemums naturally bloom in autumn and spring. But thanks to modern growing techniques and imports, you can actually find them all year round.

Autumn is when mums really shine in Australia. That's why they're so popular for Mother's Day, which we celebrate in May. Their beautiful autumn colours match perfectly with the season.

Learn more about How do you care for chrysanthemums in Australian climates

Chrysanthemums and Mother's Day

Speaking of Mother's Day, did you know that chrysanthemums are the traditional flower for this special day in Australia? It's true! Giving mum a bunch or pot of chrysanthemums is a lovely Aussie tradition.

If you give mum a potted chrysanthemum, it can keep flowering for 3-4 weeks indoors. But after that, it's best to move it outside where it can get more sun and fresh air.

Fun Facts about Chrysanthemums

  1. Chrysanthemum flowers can last up to 10-20 days in a vase. That's a long time for cut flowers!
  2. In Australia, chrysanthemums are sometimes called "disbuds" when they're grown to have just one big flower on each stem.
  3. Different coloured chrysanthemums can mean different things. Red ones symbolise love, yellow ones mean happiness, and white ones represent honesty.

So there you have it, mates! Everything you need to know about the lovely chrysanthemum. Whether you're buying them for mum or growing them in your garden, these colourful flowers are sure to bring a smile to your face. Happy gardening!

If you are looking for a chrysanthemum bouquet, our local florist in Doreen has got the best bunch for you. We do same day flower delivery to Mernda, South Morang, Wollert, Yarrambat, Yan Yean, Whittlesea, Diamond Creek and surrounding areas.

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