Chrysanthemum is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant which belong to the Asteraceae family and Chrysanthemum genus. They are also called mums and hold their origin to Asia and the northeastern part of Europe. In and around the 15^th century BC the Chrysanthemum flowers were first grown in China as a flowering herb and were introduced in Japan around 8^th century AD. The king of Japan then adopted the chrysanthemums as his official seal. In honor of the chrysanthemum flower there is a festival known as the “Festival of Happiness” which is celebrated in Japan. It was 7^th century that it was bought to Europe. It was given the name by  Linnaeus, from a Greek word  chrysous which means” golden” and anthemion which means “flower.”

The Chrysanthemums flowers come in a huge of forms and colors both perennial as well as annual varieties are available. All the different varieties of Chrysanthemums make lovely cut flowers and have sweet and pleasant fragrance. Though  quill, spider as well as pompons  which have very showy flower heads are much popular, the single or the double type ones  are also very graceful and worth growing. The upright forms and cushion forms are the two most popular growing types which grow into a neat mound. All types of chrysanthemums are suitable to be grown as borders or as cutting gardens. Chrysanthemums catch the eye of all by being the highlight of the garden in late summer and winters when maximum of the flowers have faded.

The chrysanthemums plants are not a fussy plant. The soil that is required for growing chrysanthemum is expected to be acid pH or neutral and should be rich, well drained and well composted as well as should have neutral or acid pH, rich, well drained, composted. The area where it shall be grown needs to have full sunlight. The blooming period of the chrysanthemums are from midsummer till the early winters. The height and width may vary from species to species but the tall ones need to be given support to stand.

Apart from being a beautiful flower which is used for cutting garden, borders and beds of the bed or as a cut flower the chrysanthemum flower also has medicinal uses. It is used very effectively to reduce elevated blood pressure and in all the physical symptoms that come along with blood pressure problems. The symptoms are persistent headaches, insomnia as well as spells of dizziness. The chrysanthemum is used in Chinese medicines by mixing them with the Jin Yin Hua herb. Researchers are also of the opinion that chrysanthemum has a potent antibiotic effect and thus was very beneficial for treating patients with angina and other related heart problems. Apart from this Chrysanthemum plants are also known to reduce air pollution indoors.

Apart from medicinal value the Chrysanthemum also has cultural value. In Poland, France and Croatia as well as China, Korea and Japan white chrysanthemums are regarded as the symbol of death and are used on graves or for funerals. But in United States  and some other countries it stands for honesty and cheerfulness and lastly but not the least the term Chrysanthemum Throne is the name given to the position held by the Japanese king and an honor awarded by the Japanese king is also known as the Order of the Chrysanthemum.