November Birth Flower: Chrysanthemum Meaning and Gifts

If you or someone you love has a birthday in November, you share it with one of the most generous flowers of the year. The November birth flower is the chrysanthemum: a long-lasting, beautifully varied bloom that brings rich colour to the darkest weeks of autumn.

As a florist, I think chrysanthemums are one of the most underrated flowers there is. In this guide I'll explain what the November birth flower is and what it means, the history and cultural traditions behind it, chrysanthemum colour meanings, the different types you'll find at a florist, November birthday flower and gift ideas, how to make chrysanthemums last, and a full birth flower calendar for every month.

What Is the November Birth Flower?

The November birth flower is the chrysanthemum. It symbolises joy, loyalty, friendship and long life, and its autumn flowering makes it the natural flower of November. Some modern lists also name the peony as a second November flower, although peonies are rarely in season in the UK in November.

Why Is the Chrysanthemum the Flower of November?

Chrysanthemums flower naturally in autumn, when most other garden flowers are fading, so they've long been linked with this time of year. According to Wikipedia, the chrysanthemum is the flower of November and is associated with that month in the Northern Hemisphere.

Chrysanthemum Meaning and History

The name comes from two Ancient Greek words, chrysos, meaning gold, and anthemon, meaning flower, a nod to the golden colour of the original wild flowers.

• China. According to Wikipedia, chrysanthemums were grown in China as a flowering herb as far back as the 15th century BCE, and more than 500 cultivars had been recorded by 1630. The chrysanthemum is one of the "Four Gentlemen" of Chinese art and is especially linked with the Double Ninth Festival.
• Japan. Chrysanthemums reached Japan from China in the 5th century. In the 12th century, Emperor Go-Toba adopted the chrysanthemum as the Imperial family's crest, and the Japanese monarchy is still known as the Chrysanthemum Throne.
• Europe. In several European countries, including France, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Poland, Hungary and Croatia, chrysanthemums are closely linked with death and are traditionally placed on graves, especially around All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day at the start of November.
• Australia. White chrysanthemums are traditionally worn or given on Mother's Day in May, partly because "mum" is a shortened name for the flower.
• UK and USA. Chrysanthemums are generally seen as positive and cheerful, and they're a staple of autumn bouquets and garden displays.

A florist's tip: because of these European traditions, avoid sending chrysanthemums as a birthday or celebration gift to friends in France, Belgium, Italy or Poland. Choose roses, orchids or a seasonal mixed bouquet instead.

Chrysanthemum Colour Meanings

The Victorian meanings come from Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers, published in 1884.

Types of Chrysanthemum You'll Find at a Florist

Why Chrysanthemums Make a Brilliant Birthday Flower

• They last. Chrysanthemums are one of the longest-lasting cut flowers, often looking good for two weeks or more with fresh water.
• They're in season. In the UK, chrysanthemums are at their best in autumn, so November birthday bouquets can be fresh and great value.
• They come in every style. From huge cream blooms to tiny green buttons and curly spiders, there's a chrysanthemum for every personality.
• They come in almost every colour, from white and blush to burgundy, bronze, lime and lilac.

November Birthday Flower Ideas

Here are a few bouquet ideas I love for November birthdays, using flowers and foliage that are easy to find in the UK in late autumn.

More November birthday gift ideas

• A potted chrysanthemum for the garden or doorstep, which can flower for weeks.
• A dried flower wreath or posy that lasts all winter. My guide to fresh Christmas wreaths has lots of wreath ideas.
• A chrysanthemum print. Botanical prints make a thoughtful, lasting gift; my guide to famous flower paintings explains how to find free, high quality prints.
• Topaz or citrine jewellery, the November birthstones, paired with a small bunch of chrysanthemums.
• A flower subscription or a bouquet delivered on their birthday.

How to Make Chrysanthemums Last

1. Cut the stems at an angle, removing 2 to 3cm.
2. Remove the lower leaves so none sit in the water; chrysanthemum leaves quickly cloud the water.
3. Use a clean vase with fresh water and flower food.
4. Change the water every two to three days and recut the stems.
5. Keep them cool, out of direct sun and away from radiators.
6. Remove fading blooms from spray chrysanthemums to keep the bunch looking fresh.

Are Chrysanthemums Safe for Pets?

The ASPCA lists chrysanthemums as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with signs including vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, loss of coordination and skin irritation. If you're sending flowers to someone with pets, choose a pet-safe bouquet or ask your florist for advice.

Decorating With Chrysanthemums in November

Chrysanthemums are perfect for autumn styling. A low bowl of bronze blooms makes a beautiful dining table centrepiece, a big jug of spray chrysanthemums brightens a hallway Scandi console table, and potted mums by the front door give a warm welcome. For more seasonal ideas, see my autumn decoration ideas and cosy autumn bedroom ideas.

Birth Flower Calendar

Birth flowers vary between lists and countries, but these are the ones most commonly given.

If you're curious about the other November flower, my guide to when peonies are in season explains when you can find them, and my guide to yellow flowers meaning explores the symbolism of golden blooms, including yellow chrysanthemums.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the birth flower for November?

The chrysanthemum is the November birth flower. Some modern lists also include the peony.

What does the November birth flower mean?

Chrysanthemums symbolise joy, loyalty, friendship and long life. Their meaning also changes with colour: red for love, white for truth and loyalty, and yellow for joy and friendship today.

Are chrysanthemums a good birthday gift?

Yes, in the UK, USA and Australia they're a cheerful, long-lasting birthday flower. In some European countries, including France, Belgium and Italy, they're associated with funerals and graves, so choose a different flower for friends there.

How long do cut chrysanthemums last?

Chrysanthemums are one of the longest-lasting cut flowers, often lasting two weeks or more if you change the water regularly and remove the lower leaves.

What is the November birthstone?

Topaz and citrine are the November birthstones.

Are chrysanthemums poisonous to cats and dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA lists chrysanthemums as toxic to dogs, cats and horses.

A Flower for Golden Autumn Days

The chrysanthemum is the perfect November birth flower: generous, long-lasting and full of colour just when we need it most. Whether you choose a big bronze bouquet, a pot by the door or a single creamy bloom, it's a lovely way to celebrate a November birthday.

If you'd like help bringing seasonal flowers and colour into your home, you can book a one-hour online interior design consultation with me. For more ideas, browse my lifestyle articles.