“Chrysanthemums are long overdue for a revival,” says garden writer Naomi Slade, the author of the new book Chrysanthemums: Beautiful Varieties for Home and Garden, which is out in the U.S. now and launching in the U.K on September 12. “They’ve got a bad reputation and are often seen as being workhorse flowers that are not very special,” she says. “In fact, they’re incredibly special and really interesting.”
Because chrysanthemums, or mums as they’re often called, are easy to grow and last for ages, they’ve become ubiquitous in commercial floristry. Some cut flower growers, however, have caught the heirloom chrysanthemum bug, and with the help of Slade’s book, more people will soon discover how exciting chrysanthemums can be.
Photography by Georgianna Lane from Chrysanthemums: Beautiful Varieties for Home and Garden by Naomi Slade, courtesy of Gibbs Smith Books.
Slade attributes the growing enthusiasm for chrysanthemums in part to the recent popularity of dahlias. “Chrysanthemums have all the good qualities that dahlias have,” Slade enthuses. “They pick beautifully, they photograph well, they’re wonderful for arranging. And in addition to flowers for cutting, there’s a whole other group of chrysanthemums, which are also hardy garden plants. So, it’s like dahlias plus.”
This book is the sixth single-topic flower tome that Slade and photographer Georgianna Lane have collaborated on, starting with Dahlias in 2018 (they’ve also covered hydrangeas, ranunculus, lilacs, and lilies in single-topic books—daffodils are next in 2025). The pair settled on chrysanthemums for their latest not just because of the interest that is bubbling up around chrysanthemums, but because mums offered more than sufficient variety to fill a whole book (there are literally thousands of varieties) and they appealed to both flower growers and gardeners alike.
In the pages of the book, Slade chronicles the history of chrysanthemum cultivation and the classification system. Ambitious in her scope, Slade covers all three groups of chrysanthemums: commercial floristry types, exhibition varieties, and hardy chrysanthemums. Chrysanthemums gives a detailed look at more than 50 different types, which range from the old-school, hardy daisy types to crazy, spidery blooms with trailing tentacles and exotic colorways. That mix from everyday to rare is intentional, “Familiarity is important,” says Slade. “I don’t want to make a book full of weird and wacky plants that nobody can get their hands on.” Slade also offers alternative varieties for every flower in the book, in case you can’t find the exact variety featured.
See also:
- Chrysanthemums: Rethinking a Fast-Food Flower
- Gardening 101: Chrysanthemums
- Garden Visit: ‘Love and Care’ in Florist Gabriela Salazar’s Flower Garden
Frequently asked questions
Who is the author of the book 'Chrysanthemums: Beautiful Varieties for Home and Garden'?
Naomi Slade is the author of the book.
What is the book about?
The book delves into the world of chrysanthemums, highlighting their beauty and variety for home and garden.
What is the reputation that chrysanthemums have according to Naomi Slade?
Chrysanthemums have gotten a reputation of being workhorse flowers that are not very special, but in reality, they are incredibly special and interesting.
Why are chrysanthemums considered similar to dahlias?
Chrysanthemums are considered similar to dahlias because they possess similar qualities such as being easy to grow, long-lasting, and great for arranging.
What types of chrysanthemums are covered in the book by Naomi Slade?
The book covers all three groups of chrysanthemums: commercial floristry types, exhibition varieties, and hardy chrysanthemums, offering a detailed look at more than 50 different types.
Have a Question or Comment About This Post?
Join the conversation