Chrysanthemum, book review by Gill Payne
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This new book on the history of the chrysanthemum species is a work of diligent scholarship as well as a very good read. The illustrations are many and varied, some very old and academic explaining the popularity of the chrysanthemum through the ages and across the world.
The wild chrysanthemum in China was valued both medicinally and spiritually. The first Chinese mention of the plant was during the Shang dynasty (C1600-1046BC) and over the centuries that followed numerous varieties emerged, with differing colours and petals, becoming intrinsic to Chinese culture in its widest sense.
In Japan the Emperor took them for his imperial symbol and from the 13th century it had become the official flower of the royal family, said to occupy the Chrysanthemum throne. There were chrysanthemum shows, paintings, furnishings and woodcuts; among the better known are those by Hokusai, many of which are among the beautiful illustrations in the book.
The nature of the flower, hybridising easily and producing many seeds, added to its popularity and the brilliant colours, shapes and size of the exhibition flower is a long way from the small yellow flowers native to China.
They first reached Europe in the 17th century and crossed the Pacific to America soon afterwards. Since then the plant collectors and the nurserymen breeders contributed to a surge in popularity in the Victorian and Edwardian gardens.
Many French impressionists found the shapes of chrysanthemums irresistible and Japanese gardens became the latest fashion with “tea houses” on sale in Liberty’s of London.
The author has such a comprehensive knowledge of plants, people and garden history that opening the book at any page will take the reader into a fascinating world.
There is also a very good index, a timeline of important introductions and shows, a photo acknowledgement of sources and their locations and a clear reference list. Further reading, websites and associates complete a useful and delightful book on a rather misunderstood plant and its relatives.
Published 2020 by Reaktion Books
Picture credit: Reaktion Books
