The Essential Guide To The Chrysanthemum
Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum
Common name: Chrysanthemum
General Knowledge: The chrysanthemum, with its origins in East Asia, has been a staple in ornamental horticulture and a key element in cultural festivities for centuries, particularly in China and Japan. In Australia, chrysanthemums are synonymous with Mother's Day, often given as gifts to express gratitude and love due to their late autumn blooming. A fun fact about chrysanthemums is that the name 'chrysanthemum' is derived from the Greek words 'chrysos', meaning gold, and 'anthemon', meaning flower, which accurately reflects the original golden-coloured varieties of this diverse and widespread plant.
Colour range: Chrysanthemums are available in a broad spectrum including white with green, yellow, or white centres; yellows with green-yellow centres, gold, reds, pinks, burgundy, lilac, purple, and green.
Australian Seasonal Availability: Chrysanthemums are naturally available in Australia during autumn and spring. They are also available year-round thanks to imported products.
Australian wedding and event season availability: Being accessible all year, chrysanthemums are a versatile choice for weddings and events throughout the year.
If commercially grown in Australia: Yes, they are. Modern commercial greenhouse technology permits year-round production of a vast range of cultivars, ensuring their constant availability.
If imported into Australia: Yes, chrysanthemums are also imported to meet demand and diversify offerings.
Buying tips: When purchasing spray chrysanthemums, ensure that at least five flowers per stem are fully open. For disbuds, the central petals should form a tuft, free from brown blemishes. It's best to avoid bunches with yellowing leaves since the leaves age before the flowers.
Design tips and advice: Chrysanthemums are versatile, suitable for a wide array of designs ranging from small posies to large formal arrangements. They can be wired for corsages and bouquets and are frequently featured in gift bunches and sympathy designs.
Flower maturity: Upon purchase, spray chrysanthemums should have at least five fully open flowers per stem. For disbuds, central petals should be tufted.
Expected vase life: Chrysanthemums have an impressive vase life ranging from 10 to 20 days.
Typical stem length: These flowers boast long stems, generally between 50 and 80 cm.
Typical bunch size: A standard bunch contains 10 stems.
Floral Preservatives: Using a floral preservative that provides nutrients and anti-bacterial agents can help extend the vase life of Chrysanthemums.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Chrysanthemums are moderately sensitive to ethylene gas. Keep them away from fruits, vegetables, and decaying floral material.
Temperature Requirements: Chrysanthemums prefer cool temperatures, so store them in a cool place away from direct sunlight. When storing, keep them at temperatures between 2–4 °C.
Avoiding Potential Problems: Chrysanthemums have stems that can easily get blocked. For maximum vase life, frequently recut the stems and ensure they're placed in fresh water with added flower food. Always remove foliage below the water level to prevent decay.
Cooling and cool rooms: Chrysanthemums require a combination of high humidity, low temperature, and good air circulation. The ideal storage temperature is 2–4 °C.
Hydration and vase solutions: Fresh water combined with floral food will work wonders in preserving the beauty of chrysanthemums.
Care of ethylene sensitive products: Although chrysanthemums aren't ethylene-sensitive, it's always good practice to keep them away from sources of ethylene gas like fruits.