Bloomin' Beautiful
Mother’s Day is coming up on May 13.
A similar celebration of motherhood is held at various times of the year in many countries.
A gift is usually given and, in Australia, this is often a chrysanthemum because they are flowering at this time of the year.
The chrysanthemum is a favourite flower of florists because it has one of the longest shelf lives of any cut flower.
If you keep trimming the ends and changing the water you can often get three weeks from a stem of this fabulous plant.
A present of a potted chrysanthemum is a gift that keeps giving. Enjoy it while it is in bloom and then when it dies off, plant it out in the garden for next year.
Chrysanthemums like a well-drained position in full sun and they multiply each year. It’s easy to take cuttings from them so this is another way to increase your supply.
The shape of the petals in each variety of chrysanthemum can be different .
Flower colour ranges from pink and red through various shades of yellow, orange, white and even green. No blue yet – the breeders are yet to develop this hue.
If you do, by any chance, want a blue flower, do what we used to do as kids – put some blue food colouring in water and then soak the white flowers in it. Pretty soon your bloom will have blue overtones.
The chrysanthemum is the national flower of Japan. It is depicted on the country’s flag and in many of its paintings and artwork. Kimonos will often have chrysanthemums embroidered on them.
The Japanese emperor’s throne is called the Chrysanthemum Throne and the flower itself is revered. If you have an opportunity to visit that country at flowering time you will see many wonderful examples.
Chrysanthemum coronarium is a native to the Mediterranean, where the leaves are used as edible greens. It is also a popular ingredient in Asian cooking. But a word of warning: There are a number of different “edible flowers” advertised these days. If you’re thinking of consuming any of them it is wise to get them positively identified before doing so. You should also check with your doctor if you are on any other mainstream medication.
Happy Mother’s Day.