Chrysanthemums were grown for thousands of years in Asia, but they were not widely known in the rest of the world until early 19th century, when plants were imported and hybridised in the UK.

Chrysanthemums colors range from white to pink, purple, yellow and everything in between. The flowers come in all shapes and sizes.

Chrysanthemum botanical name is Dendranthema x grandiflora, the genus name Dendranthema comes from the Greek meaning "tree flower". The species name grandiflora means "large flowers."

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Asterales

Family:Asteraceae

Genus:Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums are long flowering and the flowers are long lasting, they are easy to grow. Chrysanthemums can be pot plants.

In the garden, they are best grown in a cool climate to mild climate but will grow and flower well into the milder subtropics. They like full sun and well-drained soil.

Chrysanthemum can be grown from seeds, cuttings or by lifting and dividing an existing clump in early spring. Make sure that you tip prune young plants to encourage branching.

These pictures were taken just before Mother's Day. Here in Australia, Chrysanthemum is a popular and favourite Mother's day flower because it is in season in Autumn so they are cheap and plentiful during Mother's day. Chrysanthemum looks great in vase, in pots or in baskets. A perfect gift for Mother's day.

• Dried Chrysanthemum flowers are available in some Asian food stores and are used for making chrysanthemum tea which is said to have a cooling effect in summer.
• Edible chrysanthemum leaves are used in stir fries and Asian soups
• The ancient Chinese named the Chrysanthemum ("chu hua"), to be their official Flower for October, and also the official badge of the Old Chinese Army.

All photos were taken during the April 2006 and 2008 Chrysanthemum Exhibition at The Memorial Hall Cnr Great Western Hwy & Mamre Rd St Marys, NSW Australia.

• ALL photographs in this hub are owned by MM del Rosario. You are free to use my photographs provided that you link back to this hub.

Thank You.