Feature Flower for November - Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums were first cultivated in China as a flowering herb as far back as the 15th century BC. Chrysanthemums are considered one of the four noble plants among bamboo, the plum, and the orchid. It was once believed that drinking from a stream that flowed between Chrysanthemums would help a person live to be 100. From this myth came Chrysanthemum tea, wine and medicine to encourage a healthy, long life. The chrysanthemum is also an edible flower.


Common Name: Chrysanthemum, Mum
Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum indicum

Modern cultivated chrysanthemums are much more showy than their wild relatives. The flowers occur in various forms, and can be daisy-like, decorative, pompons or buttons. This genus contains many hybrids and thousands of cultivated varieties. In addition to the traditional yellow, other colors are available, such as white, purple, green, orange and red. Over 140 varieties of chrysanthemum have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

In general the Chrysanthemum symbolizes love, cheerfulness and optimism. It is also the birth flower for November, hence the reason to feature this flower this month. They can provide a wide variety of colors and textures to any floral design. Although they are thought of as a fall flower, chrysanthemums are available all year as a cut flower. The best part, they are super affordable.


Interesting Fact: It was once thought that bringing a Chrysanthemum indoors meant a wishful death.

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