November's Birth Flower: Chrysanthemums

As we slowly transition out of fall, it’s no surprise that November’s birth flower would be a vibrant, multi-hued floral that handsomely showcases the colors of Autumn: the Chrysanthemum. Available in a rainbow of explosive colors and various flowering blossoms, the chrysanthemum - also commonly referred to as ‘mums’ - is a great representation of Mother Nature’s beauty this time of year. Today, in honor of all the November birthdays, we’re sharing just a few tidbits and fun facts about this popular seasonal flower.

Native to China, the chrysanthemum is a popular flower that has spread to Eastern Asia and the eastern parts of Europe. What is November’s birth flower? If you guessed this bloom, you are right. Because of its growing popularity and availability of diverse hues, it seems like this flora keeps blossoming, becoming more widespread worldwide. For example, roses carry the same meaning across all shades, but the chrysanthemum’s exciting feature is how the flower's purpose changes depending on the color. You might know this flower by its more popular name, mum, and in ancient Asian cultures, this bloom represented the youth. So for you wine drinkers, rejoice, you’ll find this tip helpful, place one at the bottom of the glass for a long-lasting taste. Chrysanthemum November birth flower requires special care in the autumn months, requiring special prep to endure a harsh winter.

Originally a golden-hued flora, it’s no surprise that this popular flower’s name originated from the Greek prefix “chrys” meaning golden and “anthemion” which means flower. Aside from its colloquial name “mum” the Chrysanthemum has also been referred to as winter’s rose, befitting why they’re such a great gift for those born in November.

While the chrysanthemum birth flower is popular, it has different meanings depending on the color, making it mysterious yet exciting to discover. Branch out to explore all the symbolism behind the colors with us. Let’s get to the root of these meanings. Sultry and spicy, a red mum represents “I love you” and evokes feelings of romanticism. While the yellow November birth flower, shows a more playful love and the white mum means purity and innocence, puppy love.

The November birth flower is not simple, it’s filled with riddles and different meanings depending on who you ask. However, since this bloom represents November babies, it’s worth noting that people born in November tend to be loyal to friends and in relationships. This rings true as Scorpios have vibrant personalities and are passionate about those they love but can act difficult when hurt and betrayed by those they love and admire. So a wonderful gift for someone born this month is a November birth flower arrangement.

1. Billy Idol was born in November
2. There is a mum festival in Japan to celebrate this November flower
3. Mums help reduce air pollution

Chrysanthemums are available in a wide range of sizes and colors and while pink, white, yellow, and red are the most common, each signifies an intended meaning beyond the color of their petals:

A red chrysanthemum signifies “I love you”;

A white chrysanthemum signifies innocence and purity; a sense of pure love; honesty

A yellow chrysanthemum signifies an unrequited love;

A pink chrysanthemum signifies a romance;

One of the most cultivated flowers in the world, chrysanthemums are a member of the daisy family, making them close relatives to asters, zinnias, and coneflowers. They can also be found in a wide range of sizes and shapes; from the iconic pom-poms to the ones more spider-like with quill-like flowers. And while they’re only second to the rose in popularity, the chrysanthemum is the traditional flower to bestow to Mothers on Mother’s Day to represent joy and optimism.

The chrysanthemum has a long record - dating back to the 15th century BC in Asia where it originates and from where it acquired a history for the following:

According to Chinese and Japanese cultures, this golden bloom was a symbol for eternal youth;

Chinese cultures used the chrysanthemum as a preventative to gray hairs and was even depicted in the art during the Song Dynasty used to represent the coming of autumn or autumn itself.

In Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum is the national flower and can be found in art and literature representing royalty, devotion, beauty, kindness, even a sense of perfection.

Despite its appearance, the flower of the chrysanthemum is actually a collection of various tiny flowers within the plant, rather than the single, oversized bloom we often associate as the chrysanthemum itself.

For more inspiration head over to our Pinterest Board dedicated to November's Birth Flower: the Chrysanthemum

Please note all imagery featured is purely inspiration and not a product of Nearly Natural.