‘Mums the word when it comes to fall flowers

While other blooms are going dormant, one flower that is still going strong is the chrysanthemum.

These autumn beauties burst to life during the fall and bring a splash of color to otherwise drab gardens that are turning in for the winter.

The flowers are a sure sign fall is here, and they are so celebrated in this season that November is National Chrysanthemum Month.

The hardy chrysanthemum is usually one of the last flowers in gardens before the weather gets too cold. They can flourish in any spot in the garden, but they prefer full to partial sun and soil with good drainage.

Because they have shallow roots, it is important to keep them well-watered near the surface.

Fertilizers that are higher in phosphorus can promote blooming, and often the plants will make it through the winter.

Chrysanthemums were first grown in China as a flowering herb as early as the 15th century B.C., and they were believed to have the power of life, according to the National Chrysanthemum Society.

In fact, the Chinese so admired the flower that the city of Chu-Hsein (which means chrysanthemum city in ancient Chinese) was named to honor it.

The flower landed in Japan around the 17th century where it is often used on well-known families’ crests. The country also has a national chrysanthemum day.

During the same century, the flower was introduced in the Western world. It got the name chrysanthemum when a Swedish botanist combined the Greek words “chrysos,” which means gold, and “anthemon,” which means flower.

Today, there are approximately 30 varieties of chrysanthemums that come in a multitude of colors, including pink, purple, red, yellow, orange and white.

Rather than petals, the chrysanthemum actually has florets, which are small flowers that are part of a cluster.

All varieties have two types of florets — ray and disc — however, the disc florets are not always noticeable.

Ancient species most likely looked like more like daisies, according to the National Chrysanthemum Society, which is appropriate because they belong to the daisy family of flowers.

The bloom made its way to the United States during colonial times, and now, it is one of the most widely grown pot plants in the country.

It’s also known for its ease of cultivation, ability to bloom on schedule, diversity of bloom forms and colors, and holding quality.

While Americans tend to view the chrysanthemum with a joyful association and it is often given as gifts, it’s known as the death flower in many European countries.

It is used almost exclusively as memorials on graves in Belgium and Austria.

But in the U.S, chrysanthemums are fall staples that are used to give a garden some color before winter arrives.

Whether they are being used to mourn a loved one or to adorn the front porches, the chrysanthemum offers beauty during a chilly time of year.