Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums commonly called Mums originated in China. The Chinese grew Chrysanthemums as early as the 15th century. The Chinese name for the flower is Chu and they named a city Chu Hsien (Chrysanthemum City) in honour of this flower. Generally speaking, Chinese people traditionally adore Chrysanthe-mums.

Garden (Peggy Chin)The Japanese also like the flower. So much so that they took it to Japan and began growing it there. The Emperor used the flower as a crest. Chrysanthemums were later introduced to Europe in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus a Swedish botanist.

Later, in1798, they were introduced to the USA.

Mums are divided into two groups – garden hardy and exhibition hardy. Garden hardy Mums are new perennials which are defined by their ability to produce an