Chrysanthemum is a genus of about 76 species of perennial flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Native to Asia and northeastern Europe, they are widely cultivated as garden plants.
Chrysanthemums have been cultivated for over 5000 years as a food crop and for their oil which was used as a base for perfumes. The flowers were also used as a medicinal herb and to make wine.
There are many different varieties of Chrysanthemum, with a variety of colors including white, yellow, orange, red, and pink. The flowers can be single or double and range in size from 2-6 inches across.
Chrysanthemums are easy to grow and are a popular garden plant. They prefer full sun but will also grow in partial shade. The plants can be grown from seed or from cuttings.
Chrysanthemums are a good choice for the home gardener, as they are not affected by most pests and diseases. However, there are a few pests and diseases that can affect Chrysanthemums, which will be discussed below.
Pests and diseases that affect Chrysanthemums include:
Insects: aphids, whiteflies, thrips, caterpillars, cutworms, and slugs. Diseases: Botrytis blight (gray mold), powdery mildew, and rust.