Chrysanthemum: A Complete Guide to Its Profile, Variety Characteristics, Care and Uses

The chrysanthemum is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Chrysanthemum in the family Asteraceae, and it is also one of China's traditional famous flowers, known together with plum, orchid and bamboo as the Four Gentlemen among flowers. It mostly blooms in autumn, and its flower heads come in a rich variety of forms, with colors spanning yellow, white, pink, purple, green and many other color ranges, giving it high ornamental value.

There are a great many chrysanthemum varieties, which by use can be roughly divided into several major categories: ornamental chrysanthemums, medicinal chrysanthemums, edible chrysanthemums and tea chrysanthemums. Ornamental chrysanthemums are often used for potted displays, courtyard landscaping and cut flowers; Hangbaiju, Gongju, Chuju and others lean toward medicinal and tea use and are often processed into chrysanthemum tea; the petals of edible chrysanthemums can also be used in cooking, to make pastries or soups.

When caring for chrysanthemums at home, it is best to place them in a spot with ample sunlight and good ventilation, and the soil should preferably be loose, fertile and well drained. Chrysanthemums dislike waterlogging, so watering can follow the principle of water when dry, dry when wet; pinching the tips appropriately during the growing season can encourage branching, making the plant fuller and producing more flowers, and reasonable fertilizing before and after the flowering period helps improve flowering quality.

Besides ornament and tea, the chrysanthemum also carries the meaning of admiring chrysanthemums on the Double Ninth Festival in traditional culture, and it is a very popular floral material in autumn and winter. It is worth noting that the quality of commercially sold chrysanthemum tea varies greatly, so it is advisable to buy products with clear origins through proper channels, and to give them a quick rinse with warm water before brewing, so you can drink with more peace of mind.