Whenever I grow out a Mum with a name like 'George Couchman' I find myself wondering. Who was George? Was he a hugger? I sure wish I could give him a hug for this warm light-bronzey orange chrysanthemum named after him.  This variety is classed as 15b according to UK Classification System, a mid-blooming Medium Intermediate Incurve that flowers in October.
 
In my efforts to find out more about George according to records from the UK National Chrysanthemum Society, George Couchman was bred by northern English hybridizer Harry Lawson but was not officially registered until 2000. Longtime growers note that many varieties circulated among society members long before formal registration, and it's indicated in UK show records dating back to 1964 that this cultivar was grown and admired for years before it was officially recorded.
 
In recent conversations with chrysanthemum growers across the pond, additional context about the name and community history came up. It was shared that Marion Couchman—who served for many years as president of the Southern Group of the UK National Chrysanthemum Society—was a well-known figure within mum circles. She attended meetings where breeders like Lawson shared his new seedlings. There is also a Mum named after Marion herself, but I haven't grown that variety out yet.
 
It’s possible Marion suggested the name George Couchman for one of Lawson’s seedlings, honoring what is assumed to be a member of the Couchman family? Naming cultivars after fellow growers, supporters, and friends is a long-standing tradition within societies. Today, sadly the Southern UK Group itself is no longer active due to declining participation, many of these once-thriving local societies are fading which makes our job as Chrysanthemum Keepers even more important!
 
Sadly, I didn't find out if George was a hugger, but the good news is that this variety will be available at our upcoming plant sales for anyone ready to start their own mum collection.