November Birth Flower: Chrysanthemum Guide

By Thehomesprouts Team · September 26, 2026

The Chrysanthemum: November Birth Flower

The chrysanthemum, often called simply "mum," is the official birth flower for November. With over 40 species and thousands of cultivars, chrysanthemums are one of the most diverse and widely cultivated flowers in the world.

Symbolism Around the World

Asia

In China, the chrysanthemum represents longevity, nobility, and autumn. It is one of the "Four Gentlemen" of Chinese art alongside plum blossom, orchid, and bamboo. In Japan, it is the imperial flower and appears on the emperor's seal.

Europe and Americas

In the Victorian language of flowers, chrysanthemums symbolize loyalty, friendship, and well-wishing. Red mums mean love, white mums mean truth, and yellow mums historically meant slighted love (though modern associations are more cheerful).

Growing Chrysanthemums

Plant Types

Garden mums (hardy mums): Perennial, survive winter in zones 5-9
Florist mums: Tender, grown for cut flowers, not winter-hardy
Exhibition mums: Single spectacular blooms on tall stems

Care Requirements

Light: Full sun (6+ hours)
Soil: Rich, well-draining, slightly acidic (pH 6.5)
Water: Consistent moisture, avoid wet foliage
Pinching: Pinch tips every 2 weeks until mid-July for bushier plants with more blooms

Fall Planting Tips

Plant garden mums in spring for best establishment. Fall-planted mums often do not survive winter because they expend energy blooming instead of rooting. If you buy mums in fall, enjoy them as annuals and compost after bloom.

Overwintering Hardy Mums

After the first hard frost, cut stems to 3-4 inches. Mulch heavily with 4-6 inches of straw or leaves to protect roots from freeze-thaw cycles. Remove mulch gradually in spring as new growth appears.