Complete Florist Guide to Chrysanthemum Varieties
Chrysanthemums, commonly known as "mums" or "chrysanths," are among the most versatile and beloved flowers in the floral industry. With over 40 species and thousands of cultivars, chrysanthemums offer florists an incredible range of colors, forms, and sizes to work with throughout the year. This HK florist guide covers the essential varieties, their characteristics, and professional applications.
Classification System
Chrysanthemums are classified into several categories based on their flower form, size, and growth habit:
By Flower Form
Decorative Forms: Large, full blooms with broad petals
Reflexed Forms: Petals curve downward and outward
Incurved Forms: Petals curve inward toward the center
Intermediate Forms: Combination of reflexed and incurved characteristics
Singles: Daisy-like flowers with visible centers
Anemone Forms: Central disc surrounded by longer outer petals
Pompon: Small, round, dense blooms
Button: Very small, tight, round flowers
Spoon: Petals with spoon-shaped tips
Quill: Tubular petals resembling quills
By Size Classification
Large Exhibition: Over 6 inches in diameter
Medium: 4-6 inches in diameter
Small: 2-4 inches in diameter
Miniature: Under 2 inches in diameter
Major Chrysanthemum Types for Florists
1. Standard Chrysanthemums (Disbud Mums)
Characteristics: Large, single blooms on strong stems, achieved by removing side buds Stem Length: 24-36 inches Bloom Size: 4-8 inches across Availability: Year-round with peak seasons in fall and spring
Popular Varieties:
'Anastasia': Deep burgundy with yellow centers, reflexed form
'Chesapeake': Pure white, incurved, excellent for weddings
'Bolero': Bronze-orange, decorative form, fall favorite
'Matchstick': Yellow with red tips, spoon-tipped petals
'Spider': Various colors with long, thin, quill-like petals
Uses: Focal flowers in arrangements, bridal work, sympathy designs, autumn displays
2. Spray Chrysanthemums
Characteristics: Multiple smaller blooms per stem, natural branching Stem Length: 16-24 inches Bloom Size: 1-3 inches across Blooms per Stem: 5-15 flowers
Popular Varieties:
'Cushion': Dense, mounded growth with small pompons
'Daisy': Single-petaled with prominent yellow centers
'Button': Tiny, tight, round blooms in clusters
'Santini': Small, daisy-like flowers in various colors
'Aster': Star-shaped blooms resembling asters
Uses: Filler flowers, mass arrangements, casual bouquets, garden-style designs
3. Football Mums
Characteristics: Large, oval-shaped blooms resembling footballs Stem Length: 20-28 inches Bloom Size: 4-6 inches long Peak Season: Late summer through fall
Popular Varieties:
'Haymaker': Golden yellow, classic football shape
'Bolero': Bronze-orange, sturdy stems
'Grandchamp': Various colors, reliable performers
Uses: Autumn arrangements, sports-themed designs, casual bouquets
4. Decorative Chrysanthemums
Characteristics: Large, full blooms with broad, overlapping petals Stem Length: 24-30 inches Bloom Size: 5-8 inches across
Notable Varieties:
'Indianapolis': Various colors, symmetrical form
'Regal': Purple and white varieties, exhibition quality
'優雅' (Elegant): Japanese variety with perfect form
Uses: High-end arrangements, exhibition work, luxury designs
Color Palette and Seasonal Availability
Traditional Fall Colors
Burgundy/Wine: 'Bolero', 'Anastasia'
Bronze/Copper: 'Autumn Fire', 'Bolero'
Golden Yellow: 'Haymaker', 'Sunny Mandalay'
Rust/Orange: 'Matchstick', 'Bronze Elegance'
Deep Red: 'Regal Red', 'Crimson Tide'
Year-Round Standards
White: 'Chesapeake', 'Polar', 'White Spider'
Yellow: 'Yellow Spider', 'Sunny Mandalay'
Pink: 'Regal Pink', 'Salmon Regal'
Purple: 'Regal Purple', 'Lavender Football'
Specialty Colors
Green: 'Green Mist', 'Kermit' (button variety)
Bi-color: 'Matchstick' (yellow with red tips)
Lavender: 'Lavender Regal', 'Purple Haze'
Care and Handling for Florists
Receiving and Processing
Immediate Hydration: Cut stems under running water at a 45-degree angle
Stem Length: Remove lower 2-3 inches and any foliage below waterline
Conditioning: Use chrysanthemum-specific flower food or commercial preservative
Temperature: Store at 34-38°F (1-3°C) with high humidity
Extending Vase Life
Water Quality: Use clean, lukewarm water with preservative
Stem Maintenance: Recut stems every 2-3 days
Leaf Care: Remove any submerged or yellowing foliage
Environment: Keep away from heat sources and direct sunlight
Expected Vase Life: 7-14 days with proper care
Common Issues and Solutions
Premature Wilting: Usually caused by air bubbles in stems; recut underwater
Petal Drop: Normal aging process; select fresher flowers
Leaf Yellowing: Remove affected foliage; may indicate bacterial infection
Short Vase Life: Check water quality and flower food concentration
Design Applications
Wedding Work
Bridal Bouquets: White standards like 'Chesapeake' for classic elegance
Centerpieces: Mixed spray mums for texture and volume
Boutonnieres: Small button or pompom varieties
Seasonal Weddings: Fall colors for autumn ceremonies
Sympathy and Funeral Arrangements
Traditional Colors: White, yellow, and purple standards
Casket Sprays: Large decorative varieties as focal points
Standing Arrangements: Mix of standards and sprays for depth
Cultural Considerations: White chrysanthemums in Asian cultures, varied preferences elsewhere
Autumn and Seasonal Displays
Thanksgiving: Bronze, rust, and gold football mums
Halloween: Orange and burgundy varieties
Harvest Themes: Mixed with gourds, wheat, and fall foliage
Commercial Displays: Potted mums for retail and landscape use
Contemporary Arrangements
Monochromatic Designs: Single color in varied forms
Texture Play: Combine smooth decoratives with spiky spiders
Modern Minimalism: Single large standard as statement piece
Garden Style: Mixed sprays for natural, loose arrangements
Seasonal Sourcing and Pricing
Peak Seasons
Fall (September-November): Highest quality and variety, moderate pricing
Spring (March-May): Good availability, competitive pricing
Mother's Day: Premium pricing for quality stems
Off-Peak Considerations
Summer: Limited varieties, focus on whites and yellows
Winter: Higher pricing, emphasis on greenhouse-grown standards
Import Sources: South American farms for consistent year-round supply
Quality Indicators
Stem Strength: Sturdy, straight stems without bending
Flower Maturity: 70-80% open for standards, varied opening for sprays
Foliage Condition: Bright green leaves without yellowing or spots
Overall Freshness: No wilting, strong uptake when conditioned
Cultural Significance and Symbolism
Western Traditions
Autumn: Symbol of harvest and abundance
Mourning: Particularly white varieties for funeral work
Cheerfulness: Bright colors represent joy and optimism
Longevity: Associated with long life and endurance
Eastern Traditions
China: Symbol of nobility and honor, especially yellow varieties
Japan: National flower representing perfection and the imperial family
Korea: Associated with autumn festivals and ancestral reverence
Professional Tips for Florists
Inventory Management
Seasonal Planning: Order fall varieties well in advance
Color Balance: Maintain variety in both traditional and contemporary colors
Size Variety: Stock both standards and sprays for versatility
Quality Control: Regular assessment of supplier consistency
Customer Education
Care Instructions: Provide detailed vase life information
Seasonal Availability: Explain peak seasons and color variations
Cultural Sensitivity: Understand symbolic meanings for different occasions
Design Suggestions: Offer guidance on complementary flowers and foliage
Storage and Workspace
Cold Storage: Dedicated cooler space with proper humidity
Processing Area: Clean work surface with sharp, sanitized tools
Water Management: Regular water changes and preservative use
Inventory Rotation: First-in, first-out system for optimal freshness
Chrysanthemums remain one of the most important flower categories for professional florists, offering unmatched variety in form, color, and application. Understanding the different types, their seasonal availability, and proper handling techniques ensures successful incorporation into diverse floral designs. Whether creating intimate bridal work, grand sympathy arrangements, or seasonal celebrations, chrysanthemums provide the versatility and reliability that modern floristry demands.
Success with chrysanthemums comes from appreciating their diversity, respecting their care requirements, and understanding their cultural significance. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, these timeless flowers adapt to contemporary design trends while maintaining their classic appeal, making them an essential component of any well-rounded floral inventory.
