What is the difference between moss rose and chrysanthemum? Teach you to easily tell the two flowers apart

Moss rose, also known as pine-leaf peony and purslane, prefers a warm, sunny and dry environment; its flowers open in sunlight and close in the early morning, evening and on cloudy days, hence the names “moss rose” and “noon flower.” So, what is the difference between moss rose and chrysanthemum?

1. What is the difference between moss rose and chrysanthemum?

Different family and genus: moss rose is a perennial flower of the genus Portulaca in the family Portulacaceae, often grown as an annual; chrysanthemum is, in plant taxonomy, a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Chrysanthemum in the family Asteraceae;

Different flowers: moss rose usually comes in colors such as imperial red, bright red, scarlet, deep red, purplish red, white, snow blue, pale yellow and deep yellow; while the chrysanthemum has relatively simple and uniform flower colors, mostly yellow.

2. The ornamental value of moss rose and chrysanthemum

1. Chrysanthemum

Appreciating chrysanthemums has long been a custom handed down among the Chinese people, from the imperial palaces, official households and common folk of the ancient capital to the people of all cities in present-day China, who hold chrysanthemum gatherings, chrysanthemum exhibitions and various chrysanthemum appreciation activities every autumn. The Beijing Botanical Garden holds chrysanthemum appreciation activities every autumn. The chrysanthemum gathering in Xiaolan Town, Zhongshan County, Guangdong Province, was first held in the late Song Dynasty and has a history of more than seven hundred years; it is one of the longest-lasting and largest chrysanthemum gatherings in China, with attendance reaching one million at its peak.

Chrysanthemums grow vigorously and have strong sprouting ability; after repeated pinching, a single chrysanthemum plant can produce thousands of flower buds, and some cultivars have soft and numerous branches, making them easy to train into various shapes and form exquisitely styled creations such as chrysanthemum towers, bridges, fences, pavilions, gates and balls. They can also be cultivated into large chrysanthemums, cliff chrysanthemums, ten-variety brocades and bonsai, with ever-changing forms that make a magnificent spectacle, adding countless ornamental artworks to the annual chrysanthemum exhibitions.

2. Moss rose

There are many varieties, usually in colors such as imperial red, bright red, scarlet, deep red, purplish red, white, snow blue, pale yellow and deep yellow. It is native to Brazil and Argentina in South America and has been widely cultivated throughout China. For growing in apartments and rooms, make use of its tolerance to drought and dryness and its salt-loving nature. Potted plants beautify balconies and windowsills. The stems and trailing parts hang outside the pot. It opens toward the sun, like brocade and embroidery, at its fullest at noon, each flower straining to open wide and fully enjoying the warmth the sun gives, adding endless charm to the room in a style all its own. The plant is short, with glossy fleshy stems and leaves, abundant and brilliant flower colors, and a long flowering period. It is suitable for planting at the outer edge of flower beds, and can also be made into a specialized flower bed.