Chrysanthemums which are often called mums are truly a winner for your fall and winter garden and after trying to spell and pronounce that name, I much rather call them mums. This hardy plant in the Asteraceae family will add lots of color to the somewhat bare garden when all the annuals have withered.

There are approximately thirty species of Chrysanthemums which is native to Asia and northeastern Europe. The history of this plant says that it was cultivated in China as a flowering herb as far back as the 15th century. However, its name is actually Greek and comes from combining the Greek word chrysos which means gold and the word anthemon meaning flower.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
 
 In China, the leaves were steamed or boiled and used in teas and as greens in Chinese cuisines. In addition, Chrysanthemums was used as Chinese medicine as an aid in healing from influenza and acne. Tea made of Chrysanthemum is very popular and used as a relaxant.

Although you can plant Chrysanthemums in your outdoor garden, it is most recognized as a pot or container plant that most gardeners use to accentuate an entrance way or patio with its beautiful fall colors. These are also a favorite of florists for flower arrangements because of the longevity of the blooms. Its daisy-like flowers comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. (photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Chrysanthemums are a great choice for a landscaping plant in your garden adding gorgeous color before the cold winter months arrive but you must plant them at least six weeks before heavy frost starts in order to allow the plant to establish in the soil. Don’t forget to remove the tips of new growth on your plants. This will give you bushy plants and more blooms.

To your gardening success,
Diana

This entry was posted on Sunday, November 2nd, 2008 at 5:10 am and is filed under Flower Gardening, Gardening. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.