What are Fantasy Chrysanthemums?

 Chrysanthemums come in many shapes, sizes and colours. One of these shapes, although not so commonly seen in the family garden, gives an impression of cascading fireworks, spider's legs or spikes protruding from a central point. This type is, in the show world, called a 'fantasy. Once seen it captures the imagination and lends you to fantasize on a flower in the sky exploding like fireworks imparting the feeling of celebration and joy. It is truly a flower that fulfils its purpose of joy and beauty. 

The Fantasy has is origins in China and Japan where even today they are very popular. They have spread throughout the world and here in Australia have been grown and shown for quite a number of years. However, to my knowledge, no chrysanthemum society in Australia has a written standard for judging them. Surprisingly some agricultural societies do have a standard. Britain has recently started showing fantasies and drawn up a standard. The U.S.A. also has shown fantasies for a while and has a standard for judging. Japan has a standard and many articles of explanation and interpretation. 

Fantasies are a type of chrysanthemum with tubular florets or petals. There are several types or classifications. 

Basically there are 2 types of Fantasy namely Spiders and Quills. 

Spiders are divided into 2 types, those with a coil or a hook at the end of each floret and those with a scoop effect at the end of each floret. 

Quills are also divided into 2 types, those with an enclosed tip at the end of each floret and those with a spoon or spatula shape at the end of each floret. 

Now lets take each of these and explain them in more detail. 

Click for => Spiders                 or Click for => Quills

© Copyright held by Dennis Maher, 2004.