Ask someone to name a fall flower and many of them will pick Chrysanthemum (or ‘mum). They are quintessential fall wedding flowers too. So versatile in their multitude of forms and colors, the Chrysanthemum is a flower with a long and distinguished history. The Chinese were the first to cultivate it over two thousand years ago!
Westerners fell in love with the flower and continued developing it to the stage that we now have an enormous range of forms (13 to be exact) and sizes, from tiny button and simple daisy-like flowers to large pom-pom blooms. This huge range is part of the reason for its popularity in fall wedding bouquets and arrangements.
As you would expect from a flower with such a long history the ‘mum has developed some very special meanings. The white Chrysanthemum symbolizes truth, while red symbolizes love, both integral parts of a marriage. It is also the birth flower for November.
Mums combine beautifully with other flowers such as gerberas, lilies and roses. They are one of the more cost effective fall wedding flowers making them an idea choice for full bouquets or to fill out an arrangements of more expensive flowers.
They come in just about every color imaginable, except for blues. Colors range from white through to pale yellows and pinks to warm oranges to deep russets and reds, even green. They really lend themselves to a theme inspired by fall itself - rich and warm.
Depending on the type of Chrysanthemum chosen very different looks can be achieved. Smaller flowers are ideal for boutonnières. Large pom pom blooms create very full bouquets similar in shape to peonies or garden roses. Spider mums are quite delicate looking with their long, thin petals. They look great in modern arrangements. And of course, the simple, clean lines of the daisy style are just sunshine in a flower.
So when choosing your fall wedding flowers, don’t discount the Chrysanthemum. I have seen people describe them as “overdone” or “common”, but they haven’t given them the respect and thought these beautiful, versatile flowers deserve. With a little consideration they will reward you with the most delightful display.
Photos: Pink chrysanthemum & Chrysanthemum
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Full of information, thanks for your ideas!