Chrysanthemum Varieties
As one of China's traditional famous flowers, the variety of chrysanthemums is breathtaking. From ancient times to the present, horticulturists have developed over thirty different shapes and forms of chrysanthemum varieties through careful cultivation. Understanding these variety characteristics not only enhances their ornamental value but also helps gardening enthusiasts master scientific care methods.
Main Classification System of Chrysanthemum Varieties
Characteristics of Flat Petal Varieties
Flat petal varieties include six classic shapes: the Broad Band type is known for 1-2 rounds of wide and spreading petals; the Lotus type has 3-6 rounds of petals that present a natural, unfolded form; the Peony type has multiple rounds of straight petals similar to peonies; the Flat Disk type forms a geometric beauty through the staggered arrangement of long and short petals; the Inverted type has a unique shape with outer petals inverted; and the Overlapping Ball type forms a perfect sphere through precise overlapping. These chrysanthemums are suitable for sunny environments and it is recommended to maintain a soil pH of 6.2-6.7.
Cultivation Tips for Spatulate Petal Varieties
The Spatulate type has short spatulate petals that form a bowl shape and requires attention to drainage during the rainy season; the Parrot's Beak type has thin, long spatulate segments that need stakes for support; the Honeycomb type has a spherical flower crown that needs regular pruning to maintain shape; the Lotus type has a characteristic of hugging growth, requiring the pot to be turned once every two weeks; the Curly type requires controlling the nitrogen fertilizer ratio due to the difference between inner and outer petals; and the Spatulate Ball type is recommended to maintain a day-night temperature difference of 8-10°C during cultivation.
Form Analysis of Tube Petal Varieties
The Single Tube type has thick tube flowers suitable for courtyard landscaping; the Quill type has medium-thick tubes that require dwarfing treatment; the Pine Needle type has thin, long tube petals sensitive to sunlight duration; the Silk type has a drooping characteristic that requires elevating the cultivation position; and the Bead type needs a specific nutrient formula to form bead-like tube ends. It is recommended to use earthenware pots for these chrysanthemums to ensure root aeration.
Secrets of Caring for the Osmanthus Petal Varieties
Chrysanthemum Varieties
The Flat Osmanthus type maintains a golden ratio of flat petals and tubular flowers and requires precise fertilization; the Spatulate Osmanthus type needs to control water irrigation; the Tube Osmanthus type has a complex structure that requires regular thinning of buds; and the Full Osmanthus type with pure tubular flowers should maintain a cultivation temperature of 15-25°C. It is recommended to use a matrix of humus soil mixed with perlite.
Special Cultivation of Irregular Petal Varieties
The Dragon Claw type requires specific hormone treatment for the top to split open; the hairy type depends on sufficient calcium for short hair development; and the Shear Velvet type needs three times of pinching to achieve the velvet ball effect. It is recommended to use a drip irrigation system for these varieties, keeping the leaf surface dry.
Mastering the knowledge of chrysanthemum classification can not only enhance appreciation skills but also implement precise care for different varieties. It is recommended that enthusiasts keep cultivation logs to record the growth characteristics of each variety, combined with modern smart gardening equipment, to make traditional famous flowers bloom with new brilliance.