November is quiet late autumn: days grow shorter, gardens prepare for winter and we crave warmth and comfort at home. November’s birth flower is the chrysanthemum, one of the hardiest flowers, blooming until the frosts. Here’s what it means, what blooms in November and which bouquet to give someone born in November. Next month: December flowers.
The chrysanthemum is November’s flower and a symbol of longevity, joy and friendship. In Japan it is tied to the imperial family and means nobility; in China, wisdom and a serene old age. The meaning shifts with colour: yellow for joy and warmth, white for sincerity, red for love. The full list is in birth month flowers.
Chrysanthemums come as single-headed and spray, daisy, pompon, spider and anemone types. Forms and varieties with photos are in types of chrysanthemums. For each colour and country tradition, see chrysanthemum meaning.
Chrysanthemum meanings by colour
Yellow — joy, warmth and friendly support; the best choice for a colleague or friend.
White — purity and sincerity. In Ukraine white chrysanthemums suit festive bouquets, but in some European countries they are associated with remembrance, so pick another colour for guests from abroad.
Red and burgundy — love and deep feelings.
Pink — tenderness and care, lovely for a mother or grandmother.
In November, gardens still hold chrysanthemums, autumn asters, ornamental cabbage and late roses until the first frosts. How to overwinter chrysanthemums is covered in growing chrysanthemums. Indoors it’s time for cyclamen, orchids and the first poinsettias; at the florist’s, chrysanthemums, roses, hydrangeas and evergreen branches for early winter arrangements.
A bouquet for November birthdays
November birthdays suit warm chrysanthemum bouquets: yellow and orange for energy, white and cream for tenderness, burgundy for a deep autumn mood. Chrysanthemums last 2–3 weeks; see chrysanthemums in a vase. November falls under Scorpio and Sagittarius: rich burgundy for Scorpio, bright and unusual arrangements for Sagittarius.
November zodiac signs
November is shared by Scorpio (up to 21 November) and Sagittarius (from 22 November). Scorpio, associated with passion and depth, suits deep burgundy chrysanthemums and roses; freedom-loving Sagittarius suits bright orange and yellow bouquets with unusual accents.
Is it OK to give chrysanthemums?
In some European countries chrysanthemums are associated with remembrance days, but in Ukraine they are freely given for any occasion, from birthdays to Teachers’ Day. For a festive look, choose bright colours and pair them with roses or hydrangeas.
Making chrysanthemums last in a vase
Chrysanthemums are among the longest-lasting cut flowers: with proper care they last 2–3 weeks. Cut the stems at an angle by 2–3 cm, remove leaves below the waterline and change the water every 2–3 days. Keep the vase away from fruit and radiators. Potted spray chrysanthemums can be planted in the garden in spring after flowering — many varieties overwinter well.
Chrysanthemums, autumn asters, ornamental cabbage; indoors, cyclamen and orchids.
Can chrysanthemums be a birthday gift?
Yes, in Ukraine they are given for any occasion.
What do yellow chrysanthemums mean?
Joy, warmth and friendly support — a good choice for a colleague, friend or acquaintance with a November birthday.
How long do chrysanthemums last in a vase?
Usually 2–3 weeks if you cut the stems at an angle, remove leaves from the water and change it every 2–3 days.
Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
Birthday
Hydrangeas
