Chrysanthemum flower history
Chrysanthemums are one of the most popular flowers found at your local florist. There are so many different varieties that it’s no wonder they have remained so sought after over the years. Since so many people choose these blooms as focal or even mass flowers in their flower arrangements, florists tend to keep them in stock throughout the year. Depending on the colour, a chrysanthemum bouquet can send a message of love, cheerfulness, or friendship. They are often included in wedding flower bouquets and, to top it all, they are one of the longest lasting of all the cut flowers at your florist! In other words, you don’t have to worry about them wilting too soon and you can be sure that you will get great value for money.
According to some historical documents, these flowers were first cultivated in China. The cultivation of these flowers can be dated back to the 15th century and it was initially used as a herb. The plant was used to treat headaches. The sprouts and petals were used in salads as well as teas. This flower played such a significant role that you can even see it painted on many different pottery items.
Near the 8th century AD, this flower made its way to Japan. Even the Emperor loved this flower so much that he decided to use it as his official seal and crest! In Japan, the Festival of Happiness is celebrated and it is also referred to as National Chrysanthemum Day.
Some years later, chrysanthemums were introduced to the western world. Karl Linnaeus, a Swedish botanist, is to thank for this flower’s name. He used the combination of the Greek words Chrysos and Anthemom which mean gold and flower respectively. In colonial times the flower made its way to America and, today, it has only grown in popularity. It is often enjoyed as a potted plant since it is so easy to grow.
Like many other flowers and plants, countries around the world started applying hybridization techniques to chrysanthemums. Though there were already many varieties, the hybridization of this plant meant that even more types were now available as well as more colours. Some are even multi-colour!
When you send chrysanthemums, you are usually sending a positive message. That said, there are some countries where this flower is considered to be a funeral flower. These countries include Belgium. So, if you want to send get well soon flowers to anyone in another country where chrysanthemums are seen as sympathy flowers, you should choose another type of bloom instead!