Skip to content 
NOVEMBER BIRTH FLOWERS
November’s birth flower is the bright and cheery chrysanthemum.
THE CHRYSANTHEMUM November Birth Flowers
The chrysanthemum is often called mum and is the flower most associated with autumn. They bloom in various sizes and colours, from pink, white and yellow to red and green varieties, making an excellent decoration for autumn displays. They have a long history of symbolism that dates back centuries, most commonly symbolising loyalty and honesty, though meanings can vary depending on the flower’s colour.
A member of the daisy family (Asteraceae), the chrysanthemum is one of the most widely cultivated flowers. Native to Asia, the word chrysanthemum comes from the Greek prefixes chrysos, meaning “gold,” and anthemon, meaning “flower.” The original colour of the chrysanthemum was golden, but through cultivation, the flower now comes in a range of colours, from yellow and orange, to white, purple, pink, and red. Chrysanthemums symbolise loyalty, friendship, and joy, but each colour conveys a specific meaning. Red represents true love, white signifies honesty and honesty, yellow indicates a wounded heart or neglected love and Purple: Conveys “get well” wishes.
While in parts of Europe, the white chrysanthemum expresses sorrow and mourning. The far east considers them to be a sign of youth. The Chinese and Japanese believed that the chrysanthemum can be used to increase longevity, prevent grey hair, and helps maintain and promote good health. According to folklore, one chrysanthemum petal at the bottom of a glass of wine would promote longevity.
TYPES OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS
While there are thousands of varieties of chrysanthemum flowers, there are a few popular and recognisable ones. Most notably, the petal shapes are all quite different, making the mum a unique flower. Single-bloom mums are widespread and look similar to daisies with a flat centre and many petals on the outside.
One of the most recognisable is the pompon chrysanthemum which has a spherical shape with short, curled petals. These are often referred to as a ‘Button Mum’ they come in various colours, including green, red, yellow and orange. The spider mum is a unique variety, with its name stemming from the looks of its petals. These mums have tubular petals and tend to grow in different directions. The quilted chrysanthemum is mostly for seasonal decoration. These petals also have a tubular shape and stick straight out as if trying to showcase the colourful centre. The anemone mum is unique; they have short, tubular petals and a large central disk that appears to be cushioned by the petals. The anemone flower heads are typically larger than other mum varieties.
The Chrysanthemum in History
The chrysanthemum dates back to the 15th century B.C. China, where it was grown as a flowering herb, used in salads and teas. In Chinese art, the chrysanthemum is one of the four plants that make up the Four Gentlemen, or four seasons, along with the orchid, plum blossom, and bamboo. The chrysanthemum was used in China to cure headaches, reduce blood pressure, and act as an anti-inflammatory.
The chrysanthemum is the national flower of Japan. Each year, on September 9, the Festival of Happiness is held to celebrate the chrysanthemum. The flower represents royalty and nobleness in Japan and is displayed on the Japanese emperor’s seal and crest.
Introduced to Europe and the United States in the 17th century, Chrysanthemums are the official flower for a 13th anniversary. They are also the traditional flower of Mother’s Day in the United Kingdom and Australia.
CHRYSANTHEMUM CARE
Like all cut flowers, chrysanthemums are sensitive to draughts and direct heat. Don’t place the Chrysanthemums next to ripening fruit or vegetables. The ethylene produced by the fruit and vegetables makes the flowers die earlier. Top up the vase with fresh tap water and flower food as required. Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets, so keep them out of reach.
SHOP BEST SELLERS
RELATED GUIDES
Wondering what other birth flowers mean? Take a look at our birth month flower guides to learn more
GET 10% OFF WHEN YOU SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER
By signing up, you agree to our terms of use. You can view our privacy policy and unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google privacy policy and Google terms of service apply.
