THE official Mother’s Day flower, Chrysanthemums come in different varieties. Here are the main five:
Disbud Chrysanthemums
These have one large flower per stem. The chrysanthemum plant usually produces side spray flowers, but when the plant is young, these buds are removed leaving one long stem that produces one large flower. All the energy from the plant is directed into the bloom which grows to the large size, on average 10cm in diameter, hence the name dis-bud.
Spider Chrysanthemums
Spider chrysanthemums are another popular disbud variety, aptly named because their long thin petals give a spikey appearance or look like the legs of a spider.
Pom Pom Chrysanthemums
Petals of the disbuds can differ, some have tight petals, some have loose petals and some have curled petals. People often mistake disbud chrysanthemums for dahlias and vice versa, as they do look similar. There is a variety of disbud chrysanthemum with tight petals that form a distinctive ball shape that has been affectionately named pom pom chrysanthemums.
Daisy Chrysanthemums
Now to a smaller chrysanthemum variety, daisy chrysanthemums. These cute little flowers are garden favourites. They love the sun and bloom in summer and autumn and are available in a huge range of colours.
Button Chrysanthemums
Finally there are the little ‘button’ chrysanthemums. Most people would be familiar with the lime green ones that tend to standout in any flower arrangement. They may be small, but they are so versatile.
