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What Are the November Birth Flowers?

Chrysanthemums: Timeless symbols of longevity, joy, and vibrant autumn beauty.

By: THURSD. | 15-10-2025 | 9 min read
Floral Education Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemum - November Birth Flower - Thursd Article Header Image

November tips the year toward winter while spotlighting the Chrysanthemum as the primary birth flower. This November birth flower is prized for its colored and ruffled petals, thriving exactly when many gardens wind down. As the month's birth flower traditions evolved, the Chrysanthemum earned pride of place for its endurance, clarity of form, and long vase life.

For people born in November, birth flowers do more than decorate a room - they carry meaning. In various cultures, Chrysanthemums signal joy, good fortune, and respect, while some modern guides add peony varieties as a secondary flower, giving November babies two birth flowers for birthday celebrations and heartfelt messages.

The Radiance of Chrysanthemum - November Birth Flower

Among late-season flowers, Chrysanthemums (often called mums) lead with sturdy stems, clean forms, and many flowers in a spectrum of shades. As a November birth flower, they're easy to read at a glance: white for honesty, red mums for passion, yellow for cheer, purple Chrysanthemums for wellness wishes, and pink Chrysanthemums for kindness and gentle affection.

Botanically, the Chrysanthemum sits in Asteraceae alongside daisies and sunflowers. It likes full sun and tolerates dry spells once established; soil that can retain moisture keeps plants reliable through the fall season. Well-grown mums reward people born in November with vibrant colors when several flowers elsewhere fade.

 

Chrysanthemum Calimero by Floritec
Chrysanthemum Santini Calimero Minty by Floritec

 

The word 'Chrysanthemum' fuses the Greek for 'gold' (chrysos) and 'flower' (anthemon) - a nod to historic yellow selections. Today, green Chrysanthemums and many other hues appear alongside pink, purple, and classic yellow; in China, the flower is linked with good fortune and literary tradition.

 

Chrysanthemum from Icon Selections
Icon Selections - Chrysanthemum

 

Historical and Cultural Significance of Chrysanthemum

In China, cultivation stretches back millennia for both ornament and medicinal purposes; Chrysanthemum tea and remedies remain part of traditional Chinese medicine, reflecting recorded medicinal properties. As birth month flowers go, few have such a rich history in paintings, poems, and gardens.

In Japan, the Chrysanthemum is bound to the Imperial family: it appears on passports and lends its name to the Chrysanthemum Throne. Many references treat it as a national flower, and its use in state symbolism underlines associations with longevity and good fortune.

 

a woman standing in a garden of Chrysanthemums - November birth flower
White Chrysanthemums in a Taiwan field by @chenj3802

 

Three Popular Types of Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums come in numerous varieties, each exhibiting a unique charm. Among the many, three popular types of Chrysanthemums are particularly favored by florists and enthusiasts:

 

A woman holding a beautiful bouquet of the birth flower of November - Chrysanthemum, in variety of colors, picture showing Chrysanthemum santini
Chrysanthemum santini autumn bouquet by @vesselovajelena

 

What are the Two Birth Flowers for November?

Most authorities list Chrysanthemum as the November birth flower, but several contemporary guides also include peony as a second option. In those lists, Chrysanthemum is the primary birth flower, and peony is the secondary flower - associated with happy marriage, prosperity, and good fortune. Red peonies are especially popular when in season. Natural peony bloom times are late spring to early summer; off-season stems are typically imported or cold-stored.

The Allure of November Birth Flower – Chrysanthemum

As temperatures fall, the November birth flower signifies endurance and friendship with vibrant colors that keep the garden lively. Chrysanthemum is more than a mere flower; it carries profound symbolic meanings across cultures, standing for friendship, optimism, and endurance. Unlike roses which might symbolize romance, Chrysanthemums have their unique ability to represent a variety of emotions and meanings, making them ideal for many occasions.

 

Thursd's Melissa (middle) and Shallima (right) in a field of yellow chrysants during a visit to El Capiro, and the Danziger team in the right picfture with their Chrysanthemum installation
Thursd's Melissa (middle) and Shallima (right) in a field of yellow chrysants during a visit to El Capiro, and the Danziger team in the right picture with their Chrysanthemum installation

 

Color Symbolism of Chrysanthemums

The colors of Chrysanthemums each hold their own unique meanings, making them versatile for a range of occasions:

 

November, unlike other months, that have two birth flowers, has only one birth flower - Disbudded Heirloom Chrysanthemum
Disbudded chrysanths by @weddingflowerpatch

 

Each of these colors contributes to the rich narrative of the Chrysanthemum, offering a broad spectrum of meanings that can convey anything from love to encouragement.

Fun, Historical, and Interesting Facts About the November Birth Month Flower

The Chrysanthemum is a flower with a fascinating history, steeped in symbolism and diverse uses:

The Artistic Expression of November Birth Flower – Chrysanthemum Tattoos

The journey of inking one's skin has always been profound self-expression. With their rich symbolism and evocative forms, flowers have been among the top choices. In botanical body art, the Chrysanthemum holds a place of reverence. And when November rolls around, this flower inspires many body art enthusiasts.

 

Art of chrysanthemum Flowers
Picture by @nicolo_stain

 

Celebrating November Through Body Art

Chrysanthemums are increasingly popular in the world of body art, especially for those born in November. Their layered petals and intricate design offer a rich canvas for tattoo enthusiasts. Chrysanthemum tattoos are often chosen for their deep connection to life and resilience. They are seen decorating various parts of the body, from the back to the calves, and symbolize the beauty found in personal growth and the cyclical nature of existence.

Personalization and Meaning Behind Chrysanth Tattoos

Chrysanthemum tattoos offer wearers the opportunity to embody personal meaning through their designs. For example, golden color can represent hope and positivity, while red and pink tones can signify passion and affection.

 

Tattoo of chrysanthemum Flowers
Picture by @claire_tattoos_

 

Many individuals choose to include additional elements such as names, dates, or other flowers like roses to create a narrative unique to their experiences. The placement of the tattoo can also hold significance - over the heart, it could symbolize love, while on the arm, it might denote strength.

Embracing the Beauty of the November Flower in Everyday Life

Chrysanthemums are perfect for enhancing both personal and professional environments. Their vivid colors and varied forms make them a versatile option for decoration:

 

Royal Van Zanten Garden Mums PaX pink in garden space
Pink mums from the PaX assortment of Royal Van Zanten

 

Enhancing Professional Office Decor With the November Birth Month Flowers

While home environments can be readily transformed with flowers, professional spaces require a more measured approach. Yet, the versatile Chrysanthemum does not disappoint even here.

 

home decor with chrysanthemum Flowers
Picture by @hamiltonhousedesigns

 

November Birth Flower Represents Resilience, Beauty, and Depth

The Chrysanthemum perfectly embodies the spirit of November, representing resilience, beauty, and the depth of human emotion. Its layered petals, rich colors, and cultural importance make it a flower of great significance - not only as a birth flower but also as a symbol that has been cherished throughout ancient times to today. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we can find beauty and strength, much like the Chrysanthemum flourishing in the cooler seasons.

 

Man holding chrysanthemum Flowers
Picture by @bgm_duesseldorf

 

Header image by Icon Selections, feature image by @bgm_duesseldorf.

FAQ

What are the November birth flowers of the month?

The November birth flower is primarily Chrysanthemum; many modern lists also include peony as another option. Chrysanthemum bloom when temperatures drop, so they naturally represent endurance, joy, and good fortune in the fall season. Peonies carry prosperity and happy marriage themes. Together, these birth flowers give November gift-givers clear symbolism, strong color choices, and long-lasting impact.

Are there really two birth flowers for November?

Yes, several reputable lists present two birth flowers - Chrysanthemum (the primary birth flower) and peony (the secondary flower). Chrysanthemum aligns with November's climate and is widely accepted; peony appears in modern "two birth flowers" roundups and broad birth-month guides.

What do Chrysanthemum colors symbolize?

Common guides decode the colors of Chrysanthemums this way:

  • Red mums express love.
  • White Chrysanthemums signal honesty and loyalty.
  • Yellow suggests cheer, while some older European sources link it to neglected love.
  • Purple implies support and well-wishing.
  • Pink conveys platonic love and gentle affection.

Is Chrysanthemum the National flower of Japan?

Yes, the Chrysanthemum, alongside the Cherry Blossom (Sakura), is considered the national flower of Japan. It is also the emblem of Japan's imperial family and appears on passports. 'Chrysanthemum Throne' refers to the monarchy.

How can Chrysanthemums be used in celebrations and gifts?

Chrysanthemums are perfect flowers for celebrations and gifts, offering a variety of options for many occasions. They work beautifully in bouquets for birthdays, weddings, and other special events, expressing happiness and appreciation. Their lush blooms can also be used for festive decor.

As potted plants, Chrysanthemums (often simply called 'mums') make thoughtful gifts, symbolizing resilience and care. Their rich colors and variety make them a versatile choice for conveying emotions, making them suitable for a wide range of celebratory moments, especially for those that celebrate November as their birth month.

Are Chrysanthemums easy to care for as indoor plants?

Yes, Chrysanthemums are relatively easy to care for as indoor plants. They need bright, indirect sunlight and well-drained soil to thrive, with regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. indoor mums also benefit from good air circulation, and deadheading faded blooms encourage new growth. With proper care, these flowers can bloom for an extended time, bringing color and warmth to indoor spaces, and making them a charming and low-maintenance choice for home decor.

Can Chrysanthemums be used in floral arrangements for different occasions?

Chrysanthemums are excellent for floral arrangements and can be used for many occasions, including weddings, anniversaries, and everyday decor. Their wide range of different colors allows them to match various themes, adding depth and vibrancy to arrangements.

With sturdy stems and full blooms, chrysants are ideal for creating lush and dynamic bouquets. They pair well with other flowers like peonies or daisies, providing balance and enhancing the overall design, making them a popular choice for diverse floral displays.

Are Chrysanthemums safe around pets?

Exercise caution; Chrysanthemums are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to compounds such as pyrethrins and sesquiterpene lactones. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, incoordination, or dermatitis. Keep arrangements and potted plants out of reach, and contact a veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center if ingestion is suspected.

How do I keep my cut mums fresh longer?

Start with clean tools and a disinfected vase. Recut stems on a slant, strip submerged foliage, and use floral food. Display away from heat sources and direct sunlight, refresh water every two days, and remove spent petals promptly. With these simply steps, the November birth flower holds form and color longer than several flowers used in fall - one reason it's loved in bouquets.

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