Chrysanthemum Flowers
Chrysanthemums (mums) are autumn-blooming members of the Asteraceae with thousands of cultivars in diverse forms (daisy, pompon, spider, anemone). Celebrated in East Asia and valued worldwide for long-lasting cut flowers and vibrant fall color.
Occasions & recipients
Find flowers by occasion
Best occasions
- Sympathy and funerals
- All Saints’/All Souls’ Day (grave decorations)
- Autumn birthdays and housewarmings
- Corporate or office gifting
- Get-well wishes
- Chrysanthemum Festival/Day (Japan)
Suitable for
- Friends and colleagues
- Neighbors and hosts
- Teachers and mentors
- Family elders
- Acquaintances or professional contacts
Color taboos
- White mums are associated with mourning/funerals in much of continental Europe.
- Purple mums signify mourning in parts of Europe and Latin America.
- Red mums may read as overly romantic or bold for sympathy arrangements.
- Dyed black or very dark mums can appear macabre outside Halloween-themed gifts.
Card messages
At a glance
Key details
Quick reference for habitat, gifting etiquette, and safety when choosing flowers for different occasions and recipients.
Use this section as a practical checklist: where they grow, how to present them thoughtfully, and what to keep in mind regarding toxicity and sensitivity.
Botanical info
Taxonomy
Kingdom Plantae; Order Asterales; Family Asteraceae; Genus Chrysanthemum; principal garden form: Chrysanthemum × morifolium (syn. Dendranthema).
Distribution
Native to East Asia (notably China, Japan, Korea) and northeastern Europe; now widely cultivated across temperate regions worldwide.
Conservation
Not globally threatened; extensively cultivated. Most garden cultivars are secure, though some wild congeners face habitat loss.
Gifting & etiquette
Presentation etiquette
Check local symbolism: in many European countries, white or purple mums are reserved for graves and condolences, while in Japan they are auspicious. Choose non-funereal colors for celebratory gifts where appropriate. For cut stems, strip lower leaves, recut under water, and place in clean vase with preservative; refresh water every 2–3 days. Potted mums make classic fall gifts—include care instructions and avoid overly strong floral mixes in solemn settings.
Ideal delivery time
Deliver 1–2 days before the event (excellent vase life). For funerals or memorials, deliver the morning of or the prior evening. For potted gifts, early fall when buds are showing color provides the longest display.
Health & risk
Toxicity
Mildly toxic to pets (cats/dogs) due to pyrethrins and sesquiterpene lactones—may cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, tremors; contact can irritate skin. In sensitive people, sap may cause dermatitis; ingestion can upset the stomach.
Allergenicity
Moderate. Pollen may trigger hay fever; foliage/flowers can cause contact dermatitis (Asteraceae cross-reactivity).
Meaning & taboos
Symbolism & color
A dual-symbol flower: auspicious in East Asia (longevity, nobility, celebration) yet often linked to mourning and remembrance in parts of Europe; universally associated with autumnal beauty and endurance.
Growing & tools
Care & gear
Growing tips
Provide full sun (6+ hours) and well-drained, fertile soil. Water regularly but avoid soggy roots; mulch to conserve moisture. Pinch shoots until early summer to promote bushiness and abundant buds; deadhead spent blooms. Feed with balanced fertilizer during active growth. Stake taller varieties; divide clumps every 2–3 years. Hardy roughly USDA Zones 5–9; protect crowns with winter mulch. Watch for aphids, spider mites, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
Recommended tools
- Bypass hand pruners or floral snips
- Soft ties and stakes/hoops for support
- Nitrile gloves (to prevent dermatitis)
- Watering can or soaker hose
- Balanced slow-release fertilizer
Symbolizes
- Longevity and rejuvenation
- Joy and cheerfulness
- Nobility and honor
- Remembrance and sympathy
- Autumn and harvest