The meaning of chrysanthemums

The chrysanthemum is the longest-lasting vase flower of all those sold commercially, between fourteen and twenty days, and also one of the hardest to give without thinking twice.

What it symbolizes

• Longevity. Its central meaning, especially in Asia.
• Joy and sincere affection.
• Truth and loyalty, especially the white one.

In Japan it is the imperial flower: the throne is literally called the "Chrysanthemum Throne" and the flower appears on the emperor's seal. There it is a flower of the highest prestige.

The cultural weight you should know about

In much of Europe (France, Italy, Spain) and in several Latin American countries, Argentina included, the chrysanthemum is the flower of remembrance and of cemeteries. In France it is the flower of November 1, All Saints' Day.

Here that association exists and it is strong: around November 1 and 2, demand for chrysanthemums soars for that reason. It doesn't mean you can't give them in another context, but it is worth knowing:

• White chrysanthemums on their own, in a formal arrangement, read as funereal.
• Colored chrysanthemums in a mixed bouquet carry none of that meaning at all.

The practical rule: if you are giving chrysanthemums as a cheerful gesture, make them colorful and mixed with other flowers.

By color

Color	Meaning
Yellow	Joy and optimism. In the old tradition, unrequited love
White	Truth and loyalty. Also mourning
Red	Love and deep affection
Purple and bronze	The fall tones, widely used in seasonal arrangements

Why they are still worth it

For sheer longevity. Along with carnations and alstroemeria, it is the flower with the best ratio of price to days in the vase. For an arrangement that has to last two weeks, in an office, a shop or on a reception desk, it is hard to beat.

And it comes in a huge variety of forms: pompon, daisy, spider, single large bloom. The vase-life comparison by species is in how long flowers last.

Availability of each flower changes with the season. If you are looking for a specific flower, ask us before ordering and we will confirm whether we have it.