Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) - When you start seeing these beauties in garden centers across the Grand Strand, you know fall is on its way
- First cultivated in China as far back as the 15th century BC. Entered American horticulture in 1798 when Colonel John Stevens imported a cultivated variety known as “Dark Purple” from England.
- The name chrysanthemum is derived from Ancient Greek. Chrysos means "gold" and anthemon means "flower."
- Have been shown to reduce indoor air pollution by the NASA Clean Air Study.
- The official birth flower of November.
- When night temperatures drop (usually mid-September), buy plants as they start to break bud. This will maximize the bloom time.
- The active ingredient found in flower heads is called pyrethrum, and is a toxic compound that causes paralysis in insects. This is used in insecticides.
