Chrysanthemum

Author: Zhu Xiuzhen (Editor)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Chrysanthemums are native flowers of China and have been deeply loved by the Chinese people since ancient times. Their history dates back approximately 3,000 years, as confirmed by records in various ancient Chinese texts. Today, wild chrysanthemums still grow abundantly in the mountainous areas along the Yellow River. The Book of Rites·Monthly Meetings states: "In the ninth month of autumn, chrysanthemums bloom with yellow flowers." The Han Dynasty Herbal mentions: "Chrysanthemums, when consumed for a long time, benefit blood and qi, promote lightness of body, enhance longevity, and extend years." The poetry of Tao Yuanming from the Jin Dynasty reads: "Picking chrysanthemums under the eastern fence, I leisurely see the southern mountains." These all indicate that chrysanthemums have been cultivated in China since ancient times, with cultivation in gardens by the Jin Dynasty and potted chrysanthemums appearing by the Song Dynasty. The Chrysanthemum Manual by Liu Meng from the Song Dynasty, the Spectacle of Flowers by Wang Xiangjin from the Ming Dynasty, and the Mirror of Flowers by Chen Mengzi from the Qing Dynasty all provided detailed records of chrysanthemums, with over 200 varieties. During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Chinese chrysanthemums were introduced to Japan, and in the 17th century, they reached Europe. By the 19th century, Chinese chrysanthemums had the opportunity to hybridize with Japanese varieties, and their varieties gradually spread to the United States. Through long-term cultivation by Chinese and international "gardeners," new varieties have continuously emerged. Today, chrysanthemums have developed into a vast "family" including large chrysanthemums, small chrysanthemums, and cut chrysanthemums, and have entered the ranks of the world's four major cut flowers, becoming an indispensable spiritual nourishment in modern life.
The tradition of admiring chrysanthemums in China originated in the imperial courts and gradually spread to the common people. Annual events like "Chrysanthemum Competitions" are held. Even today, many cities across the country still host chrysanthemum exhibitions in autumn according to traditional customs, offering a platform for enthusiasts to appreciate them, making it an indispensable floral activity in people's lives. Especially in Beijing, the capital, renowned chrysanthemum lovers like Liu Qiyuan and Xie Hongbin have meticulously cultivated numerous chrysanthemums in their home gardens. Every autumn, they hold public exhibitions in their halls, pavilions, and courtyards, attracting many enthusiasts to admire and exchange skills. Some national leaders and literary figures also visit to appreciate the chrysanthemums and compose poems or paintings in return, further fueling the passion for admiring chrysanthemums. Since 1980, when cities began selecting their floral emblems, dozens of cities have chosen chrysanthemums as their city flower. This demonstrates the widespread cultivation and deep affection for chrysanthemums in China. People love chrysanthemums not only for their diverse varieties and elegant forms but also for their resilience in blooming even when frost is on the ground, which is used to symbolize human virtue and is highly praised. As the Jin Dynasty poet Yuan Gong wrote: "The sacred chrysanthemum grows on secluded shores, its tender shoots rise above the cold gales; spring dew does not stain it, autumn frost does not bend its branches." The poet admires the chrysanthemum's growth in the wild, its fearlessness of cold and hardship, perfectly capturing its character of blooming in the midst of frost when other flowers have withered, rather than competing with them for spring glory.
To help chrysanthemum enthusiasts master the skills of cultivating chrysanthemums with ease, so that they can flourish not only in China's mountains and rivers but also in people's homes, balconies, and garden walls, and to imbue people's hearts with the chrysanthemum's graceful yet strong, elegant and pure character, creating a more beautiful world, the author, through the knowledge gained from their work in horticulture before retirement and their personal experience of cultivating chrysanthemums afterward, has written this small guide for reference. It is hoped that it will assist enthusiasts in their cultivation. However, omissions and immature opinions in the text are inevitable, and the author sincerely invites readers to point out any errors or suggest improvements.