About Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, affectionately called 'mums,' are one of the world's most beloved and cultivated flowers, boasting an incredible variety of forms, sizes, and colors. These resilient blooms have been cherished for over 3,000 years, particularly in Asian cultures where they hold deep symbolic meaning.
From pompom-like spheres to elegant spider-shaped petals and classic daisy forms, chrysanthemums offer unmatched diversity in floral design. Their long vase life and affordability, combined with their association with autumn and harvest celebrations, have made them staples in both gardens and bouquets worldwide.
Primary Meanings
- Longevity: Represents long life, vitality, and enduring health
- Joy: Symbolizes happiness, optimism, and cheerful spirits
- Loyalty: Conveys devoted friendship and faithful love
- Rebirth: Represents renewal, transformation, and new beginnings
Chrysanthemums Colors and Their Meanings
Red Chrysanthemums
Deep love, passion, and romantic devotion
White Chrysanthemums
Truth, purity, and loyal love
Yellow Chrysanthemums
Slighted love or cheerfulness (varies by culture)
Pink Chrysanthemums
Longevity, joy, and lasting friendship
Purple Chrysanthemums
Nobility, elegance, and get well wishes
Orange Chrysanthemums
Warmth, enthusiasm, and passionate friendship
Popular Chrysanthemums Types
Football Mums
Large, round blooms
Spider Mums
Long, tubular petals
Pompom Mums
Small, ball-shaped
Button Mums
Tiny, compact blooms
Care Instructions
Water
Change water every 2-3 days and keep vase clean
Remove Leaves
Cut stems at an angle and remove excess foliage
Temperature
Display in cool location away from fruit and heat
Flower Food
Add flower food to maximize longevity
Remove Spent Blooms
Remove wilted blooms to keep arrangement fresh
Best Occasions for Chrysanthemums
- Fall celebrations and harvest festivals: Fall celebrations and harvest festivals
- Mother's Day (especially in Australia): Mother's Day (especially in Australia)
- Birthday bouquets: Birthday bouquets
- Sympathy arrangements (in Western cultures): Sympathy arrangements (in Western cultures)
- Festival of Happiness (in Chinese culture): Festival of Happiness (in Chinese culture)
Interesting Chrysanthemums Facts
- Chrysanthemums are the official birth flower for November
- In Japan, the Imperial Seal features a 16-petal chrysanthemum
- The flower appears on the back of the Japanese 50-yen coin
- Ancient Chinese believed chrysanthemum tea promoted longevity
- There are over 40 wild species and thousands of cultivated varieties
- The Festival of Happiness in Japan celebrates chrysanthemums each autumn
How to Buy Good Chrysanthemums
Centers should be tight and firm rather than open and shedding, and the petals should feel substantial. Chrysanthemums are sold as disbuds, one large bloom per stem, or as sprays with many smaller heads. Check the foliage carefully, it goes over well before the flowers do and is the first thing to look tired.
Season, Availability and What Drives the Price
Available every week of the year and among the cheapest flowers anywhere, with the natural outdoor peak in autumn. There is an important cultural point that catches people out: in France, Italy, Poland, Belgium and much of southern and central Europe, chrysanthemums are strictly funeral and grave flowers, and giving them as a gift is a serious misstep. In Japan they carry imperial associations; in the United States and Britain they are simply an everyday flower. Worth knowing before sending them abroad.
What to Use Instead
Asters give a similar daisy-form bloom on a smaller scale. Carnations match them for longevity and price in a different shape. Massed spray chrysanthemums are themselves the usual budget substitute for far more expensive flowers, which is where they earn their keep.
Safety Around Pets and Skin
Mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins, the same compounds used in insecticides, which cause vomiting, drooling and sometimes skin irritation. Handling them can also cause dermatitis in sensitive people.
Florist Tips for Chrysanthemums
They will outlast almost everything
Two to three weeks is normal and longer is common. In a mixed bunch they are usually the last thing standing.
Strip the foliage
Chrysanthemum leaves smell unpleasant as they rot and foul the water fast. Take off everything below the waterline and most of the rest.
Break, do not cut, woody stems
Older florists snap the woody base rather than cutting it, which exposes more surface for water uptake. A sharp angled cut works nearly as well.
Common Questions About Chrysanthemums
How long do chrysanthemums last?
Two to three weeks, sometimes longer. Along with carnations they are the best value in the shop measured on cost per day.
Why are chrysanthemums associated with funerals?
In much of continental Europe they are the traditional flower for graves and All Saints' Day, and giving them as a gift there is taken badly. In Britain and the United States they carry no such meaning. It is worth checking before sending flowers overseas.
Are chrysanthemums safe for cats?
No. They contain pyrethrins and will cause vomiting, drooling and skin irritation if chewed. Not usually life-threatening, but keep them out of reach.