A white chrysanthemum can look like a simple daisy or a ball of tightly packed petals, depending on the variety. In Australian florists' buckets, white mums are some of the most dependable stems you can buy.
What white can say
Meaning depends on where the flower is read. In the language of flowers, white chrysanthemums are often linked with truth and loyalty. In Japan, China and Korea, white mums are also used at funerals and remembrance, and in parts of continental Europe chrysanthemums are laid on graves in early November. That is useful to know if the flowers are a gift from or for someone with a family tie to those places. In Australia there is no such rule, and white mums are just as likely to appear in a wedding table arrangement.
Where they work
- Wedding flowers, where a white pompom stands in for a rose or a carnation at a fraction of the fuss.
- Mother's Day, the second Sunday in May, when white mums sit alongside coloured ones in a mixed arrangement.
- Funerals and sympathy flowers, in a plain white spray or wreath.
- A calm background for brighter blooms such as sunflowers or dahlias.
Keeping white mums looking white
Petals mark easily, so handle heads gently and remove any bruised outer petals. Use a clean vase and cut a couple of centimetres off the stems every few days. Keep them out of direct sun and away from the fruit bowl, because ripening fruit gives off ethylene, which shortens the life of cut flowers.
White mums and animals
White mums are the same plant as other colours: toxic to dogs, cats and horses according to the ASPCA. Vomiting and drooling are the typical signs.
