Our November Flower of the Month, the Chrysanthemum (also known as the "mum") is a beautiful hardy flower that can be found in an abundance of shapes and sizes for all your designing needs. It's widely popular in both gardens and floral arrangements, but there is more to this flower than meets the eye. In this blog post, we will explore some of our favorite facts about the mum.
1. Many Different Varieties
Believe it or not, there are over 50 varieties of chrysanthemums! These species vary in size, color, and petal arrangement. Some of the more popular heirloom varieties with that particularly luxurious feeling include the Bronze Giant, Peach Courtier, Lavender Luxor, and Crimson Tide. See this incredible
floral library by Floret Flowers to see those varieties listed among many other stunning heirloom mums.
2. Wide Range of Colors
Chrysanthemums come in an assortment of colors, and each color has its own symbolism.
For example, red chrysanthemums symbolize love and deep passion, while yellow and orange chrysanthemums represent friendship and joy. White chrysanthemums are often associated with purity and innocence, while purple symbolizes thoughtfulness to show you care.
Shown below are some of our exclusive designs with different colored mums for any occasion.
The simplicity arrangement offers gorgeous white football mums, perfect for a sympathy or get well gift.
The purple garden mix has lovely lavender mums which would be ideal for romance or birthdays.
The pashmina design has seasonal orange mums accented with bright pink roses, which makes the perfect centerpiece for all your fall events.
3. Cultural Significance
Chrysanthemums hold great cultural significance in many countries.
In Japan, chrysanthemums are considered a symbol of royalty bringing longevity, rejuvenation, and perfection. They are often associated with the autumn season and are celebrated during the annual Chrysanthemum Festival, known as "Kiku no Sekku." Chrysanthemums have also been a popular motif in traditional Japanese art for centuries, being frequently depicted in paintings, ceramics, and textiles, showcasing their intricate beauty. You can discover more about the significance of chrysanthemums throughout art history in
this article by The Arts Society.
A detail of a Japanese kimono, decorated with chrysanthemums (Photo by theartssociety.org)
4. Edible Flowers
Yes, chrysanthemums are also edible! Chrysanthemum petals are used to make tea, soups, and even salads. These petals have a slightly bitter taste, but the flavor makes a perfect pairing with garlic, ginger, sesame oil, honey, and onion. The leaves and stems are edible, but so are the flowers. They make a beautiful garnish, as well! See how to make the lovely Chrysanthemum Cocktail (pictured below) on garnishblog.com
Chrysanthemum Cocktail (Photo by garnishblog.com)
5. Medicinal Properties
Chrysanthemums have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. They are believed to have various health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and boosting the immune system. Chrysanthemum tea is particularly popular for its calming and detoxifying properties.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the fascinating facts about chrysanthemums. Whether you appreciate them for their beauty, cultural significance, or medicinal properties, chrysanthemums are truly remarkable flowers that have captivated people for centuries.
Right now we are providing 10% all of our Chrysanthemum arrangements with code MUM in our exclusive Flower of the Month collection
