Chrysanthemum Culture for America

In 19th century America, as the middle class grew, more people had time to garden for pleasure. That is when books on flower gardening became popular. Chrysanthemum Culture for America (1891) by James Morton was one of the earliest American publications on the history and care of chrysanthemums. At the time, the famous horticulturist Liberty Hyde Bailey considered it the best book “written by an American” on the flower. The name “chrysanthemum” comes from the Greek words “chrysos” (gold) and “anthos” (flower) meaning “golden flower.” Chrysanthemums, commonly referred to as mums, have been grown and celebrated by the Chinese and Japanese cultures for centuries. Today a variety of different flower types can be found in garden shops throughout the U.S. and serve as a harbinger of fall. This little book is packed with great information on the history of the flower in Asia, Europe, and America. The author also writes about chrysanthemum shows and organizations developing in the U.S. There are lovely etchings of flower heads throughout the book. If you are fan of chrysanthemums, this book is for you.