Chrysanthemums, often called “mums,” are one of the world’s most popular and highly cultivated flowering plants. Originating in East Asia, they have been selectively bred for centuries, resulting in an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. The spectrum of colors available, ranging from subtle pastels to deep, rich jewel tones, is nearly unmatched in the floral world.
The Core Color Range
The foundational colors of chrysanthemums are derived from a few primary pigment groups present in the ray florets. The earliest cultivated varieties were predominantly yellow, a color produced by carotenoids, the same pigments found in carrots and autumn leaves.
White chrysanthemums result from a genetic mechanism that suppresses the production of both carotenoids and red/pink pigments. Pink, red, and purplish shades are created by anthocyanins, a class of pigments whose color varies based on concentration and the cell’s internal environment. Through hybridization, breeders have manipulated these pigments to produce the common, vibrant core colors of white, yellow, orange, red, and pink that form the basis of most commercial varieties.
Uncommon and Novelty Hues
Breeding programs have developed specialty hues beyond the basic spectrum to create unique floral displays. Deep burgundy, bronze, and various shades of lavender and purple are achieved by increasing the concentration of anthocyanins and combining them with carotenoids. The deep, earthy bronze shades are a result of this complex pigment mixing, offering a sophisticated autumnal tone.
Green chrysanthemums are a desired novelty hue because they contain chlorophyll in their ray petals, unlike most flower colors which rely on flavonoids or carotenoids. Chrysanthemums cannot naturally produce a true blue or black because they lack the specific genes needed to synthesize the blue pigment, delphinidin. However, in 2017, Japanese researchers successfully created a blue-violet chrysanthemum using genetic engineering, inserting genes from other blue-flowered plants.
Symbolic Meanings of Different Colors
The color of a chrysanthemum carries distinct cultural weight, with meanings that vary significantly between Western and Eastern traditions. White chrysanthemums often symbolize purity, loyalty, and truth in the West. In contrast, in many parts of Europe and East Asia, white mums are traditionally associated with grief, sorrow, and are used primarily for funerals and memorials.
The vibrant red chrysanthemum consistently conveys deep love, passion, and heartfelt affection across nearly all cultures. This association with intense emotion makes the red variety a popular substitute for roses in romantic gestures.
Yellow chrysanthemums present a more complex and sometimes contradictory symbolism. In some European and Victorian traditions, yellow blooms were historically linked to neglected love or sorrow. Conversely, in the United States, yellow mums are commonly seen as cheerful emblems of joy, friendship, and gratitude. Purple and lavender chrysanthemums often represent royalty, dignity, and admiration.