Chrysanthemums: the flower of All Saints’ Day

What the chrysanthemum means (depending on where you are)

Few flowers change meaning so much when they cross a border:

• Spain, France, Italy and Belgium: remembrance of and tribute to the dead. It is the flower of All Saints’ Day and it’s best not to bring it as a gift to a dinner.
• China: longevity and a peaceful life. It is one of the “four noble flowers” of traditional painting and is drunk as an infusion.
• Japan: the emblem of the emperor. The Japanese throne is called the Chrysanthemum Throne and the 16-petal flower is the imperial seal.
• Australia: the Mother’s Day flower, which there falls in May, in the middle of the southern autumn; in English they’re called “mums”, just like mothers.
• Mexico and the US: a cheerful autumn flower, common in bouquets and on Day of the Dead altars alongside cempasúchil.

The chrysanthemum and November 1

Why the chrysanthemum, of all flowers? Pure logic: it opens in autumn, when the days get shorter; it is cheap to grow in large quantities; and it lasts for weeks outdoors in the November cold. During the 19th and 20th centuries the custom of decorating graves on November 1 came together with the flower available at that time, and the chrysanthemum became the flower of remembrance for good.

Around those days prices go up and the florists near cemeteries have their biggest sales of the year, so it pays to buy a couple of days early.

Chrysanthemum season

It is the autumn flower par excellence. Greenhouse-grown ones are available all year (Colombia is a major producer), but in their natural season they are prettier and cheaper:

• Spain: September, October, November.
• Mexico and Central America: October, November.
• Argentina, Chile and Uruguay: March, April, May.

Types of chrysanthemum

• Large-flowered or “disbud”: a single flower per stem, the cemetery classic.
• Daisy or “santini”: several small buds per stem, ideal for mixed bouquets.
• Spider: long, thin petals, like the one in the photo.
• Pompon: round, compact little balls.

How to make them last

1. Cut the stem at an angle, or snap it by hand if it’s woody; it absorbs water better.
2. Remove all the leaves that would sit below the water: chrysanthemums have lots and they quickly spoil the water.
3. Change the water every two or three days.
4. At the cemetery, a potted plant lasts much longer than a cut bunch, and potted chrysanthemums are very affordable.

If you’re looking for flowers to support someone who is grieving, there are more ideas in the sympathy flowers guide.

Remind me 3 days before

Download the reminder and open it with your phone’s calendar: it repeats every year and alerts you three days before, so you have time to order the bouquet.

Add to my calendar (.ics)Google Calendar ↗

Frequently asked questions

Why are chrysanthemums taken to graves on All Saints’ Day?

Because they bloom right in autumn, are cheap and plentiful, and last for weeks in the cold at the cemetery. Over time they became the symbol of remembering the dead in Spain, France and Italy.

Can you give chrysanthemums as a gift in Spain?

As a gift for someone’s home it’s best avoided in Spain, France or Italy, because they are associated with the cemetery. In Latin America, the US or Asia they carry no such meaning and are given without any problem.

What does the chrysanthemum mean in Japan?

It is the symbol of the imperial family: the Japanese throne is called the Chrysanthemum Throne and the flower appears on the imperial seal and on the passport.

How long does a cut chrysanthemum last?

Two to three weeks, longer in the cold of November. It is one of the longest-lasting flowers.

What color of chrysanthemum is taken to the cemetery?

White is the most traditional, but yellow, burgundy and purple ones are also taken. What matters is the gesture.