Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal that MYB transcription factors regulate anthocyanin synthesis and accumulation in the disc florets of the anemone form of chrysanthemum morifolium

•We conducted detailed metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of ‘Danfen’, a conventional variety, and ‘Fenlian’, an anemone variety.•Our results indicate that CmMYB6 and CmMYB3 in ‘Fenlian'disc florets leading to accumulation of anthocyanin. The expression of CmMYB5 in ‘Danfen’ disc florets inhibits the expression of anthocyanin biosynthesis genes.•Our research have identified candidate genes and established a theoretical basis for the improvement of the colour of disc florets of common chrysanthemum varieties.