In the Northern Hemisphere, November is the last month of autumn. The month can look dreading for some, as it can get drizzly, damp, and dull.
But don’t fret! November can be a fresh and festive month, too, especially for those born in the month. Here’s everything you need to know about the November birth flower, its meaning, types, and fun facts!
What is the November birth flower?
November can be a dreary and dull month for some, but there’s a flower that makes this month pleasant and worthwhile. It’s none other than the ever-blooming and mesmerizing Chrysanthemum!
Chrysanthemum, also known as “chrysanths,” or “mums,” is the primary November birth flower. Mums are flowering plants that belong to the family Asteraceae. Its genus is Chrysanthemum, with more than 40 species in the family. Chrysanthemums are from the class Magnoliopsida, division Magnoliophyta, and Kingdom Plantae.
Chrysanthemums are popular, quintessential fall flowers that come in many different colors. Their flowers can be yellow, purple, orange, red, bronze, or lavender.
This type of flower is found all over the world. Mums can be in garden beds or flower pots worldwide. They’re common flowers in autumn, but how did Chrysanthemums originate? The following section briefly talks about how mums were discovered and how they became popular fall flowers worldwide.
First November Birth Flower: Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums were prepared to grow and cultivate even before 1000 BC. In 910, they became Japan’s national flower, regarded as the “yellow flower.” After many years, they termed the flower “Dendranthema” in Dutch.
The flowers were brought to Europe during the 1600s. Then, soon after, a botanist from Sweden named Carl Linnaeus paved the way for the scientific naming of flowers and plants.
Since then, the flower was named “Chrysanthemum,” scientifically, because of its similar characteristics to Europe’s small wildflower. Chrysanthemums were originally yellow, but they have evolved into a spectrum of colors we see today.
There are many color varieties out there, as well as the different types of mums.
Types of Chrysanthemums
Below is a list of the common types of the chrysanthemum, one of the most famous flowers in the world. (Rose is the first and most popular type of flower!)
1. Single blooms
Don’t be confused, chrysanthemums and daisies are very much alike. They both have white flowers with yellow centers.
The difference is the mums’ size—they’re larger than daises. Their petals are also equally distanced from each other. Sometimes, Chrysanthemums have single-bloom flowers growing in clusters. Other times, there is only one petal for each stem. There is also a type of Chrysanthemum called “semi-bloom,” which is also as attractive.
2. Spider blooms
Long and thin petals are the characteristics of spider blooms. This type of mum has petals that look like spider legs. However, they don’t cup up in one direction. The tips of the petals go in different ways. Some also have coiled petals that hook at the edge!
Spider blooms bloom best in September and October. They come in yellow, red, white, and pink. Some examples of spider blooms are the Evening Glow and Symphony.
3. Decorative blooms
The decorative type has flat petals and short blooms. An example is the Lexy, which is less in size than the regular Chrysanthemum. They have bronze-colored petals and a dark center. The average size of decorative blooms is about 5 inches in height. They are a fantastic choice for potted plants to add to your garden—hence the name.
4. Quilled blooms
Quilled blooms are a type of Chrysanthemum with spikey petals. As the name implies, they look similar to quills. Quilled-bloom mums have narrow petals and some “cup up” at the edge. Some even look like spoons because of their shape and cupping at the tip.
5. Pompons
Pompon Chrysanthemums have globe-shaped heads. They have round flowers with short petals. A variation of pompons may look small, referred to as “button mums.”Pompons bloom about four inches wide. An example of this is the Moonbeam, Baby Tears, and Lakeside.
Meaning of Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are said to be superstitious. Many rituals and beliefs are associated with the November birth flower.
The chrysanthemum is a symbol of cheerfulness, rest, and serenity. It also stands for longevity, good health, and long life. The chrysanthemum can represent wealth and prosperity as well. The flower has been used to mean friendship and love in Asian cultures.
It’s believed that the sun is represented by the upper petals while the moon is represented by the lower petals when they appear together on one bloom. But because mums grow in different colors, they have different meanings, too!
1. Red Chrysanthemums
Red Chrysanthemums symbolize romance and passion. Not only are they flowers for November, but they also make a lovely gift for Valentine’s Day.
2. White Chrysanthemums
In Japan, white Chrysanthemums mean death. On the flip-side, other countries believe white mums are for happiness, joy, and long life. White November birth flowers also symbolize the virtue of loyalty, truthfulness, and honesty.
3. Yellow Chrysanthemums
Yellow mums are for broken hearts and one-sided love. This flower is for those with unrequited love. You can give them to people who need support and strength.
4. Violet Chrysanthemums
Violet flowers represent well wishes for the sick. If someone is unwell, sending them violet chrysanthemums is a thoughtful act of kindness. It also means you wish them a speedy recovery.
5. Pink Chrysanthemums
Pink flowers symbolize royalty and wealth. In Japan, they are used to represent longevity. Pink mums can also convey attraction, affection, and love. Like red flowers, they generally mean devotion and deep passion.
Medicinal Benefits of Chrysanthemums
Besides being the November birth flower with many different meanings, Chrysanthemums also have medicinal uses. Chrysanthemums provide excellent relief for migraine headaches. They are also beneficial to eye problems.
The November birth flower also improves the heart rhythm. They are known to cool the body, reduce blood pressure and treat chest pain. It serves as an antiseptic, with the benefits of fever, cold, dizziness, and swelling relief.
In China, mums are widely and traditionally used as summertime tea. If you’re having problems with digestive health, mums can also help. They have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer properties.
Care Tips for Growing Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums are a delight to grow, but they have a few special care needs. They need full sun, but not too hot—the hotter and drier your climate, the more shade your plants will need.
Chrysanthemums like good drainage and regular watering during the growing season. If the soil appears dry, be sure to water them regularly. Mums like moist soil for them to bloom and grow properly.
You should fertilize your chrysanthemum every other week with a balanced fertilizer when it’s actively growing in spring and summer (feed them in fall if you want to encourage fuller flowers).
Deadheading is essential for keeping your plant looking tidy and helping it produce new blooms. Deadhead spent blooms by snipping them off just above where they join the stem with gardening shears or pinching them off with your fingers.
You may also need to cut back leggy stems if they become unruly or start crowding each other out—but be sure not to get carried away!
Second November Birth Flower: Peonies
Some say Chrysanthemums aren’t the only November Birth Flower. Peonies are included in the list, too! While mums are the primary birth flower, peonies are called the second November birth flower. They are one of the most-known perennials worldwide.
As perennials, they stand for over two years! Peonies have extravagant blossoms and a sumptuous fragrance. They are one of the freshest classics to add to your garden.
Peonies are native to Europe, Western North America, and Asia. Way back in Chinese history, they considered the flower the country’s National Flower (now Prunus mei or plum blossom).
Peonies need adequate, full sun exposure. They also require neutral soil pH. Peonies bloom best during late spring and summer and grow in various colors. These variations include pink, purple, red, yellow, and white peonies.
Meaning of Peonies
Peonies generally represent love, wealth, happiness, and beauty. Peonies can also mean prosperity, good fortune, and compassion. The flower is usually given on special occasions, meaning best wishes, joy, and luck.
Some people also believe that peonies are for a happy marriage. They are also a good token for someone graduating, entering a new venture, or a mom who recently gave birth!
As you can see, peonies are versatile flowers! Whatever occasion you celebrate, you can give peonies as an expression of goodwill. The second November birth flower indeed has varied meanings.
Final Thoughts
After, with chrysanthemums and peonies, November isn’t a dreary month! It can be filled with bright and vibrant moods, thanks to every November birth flower. If you are born in November, chrysanthemums and peonies are your best blooms. They can bring good luck, friendship, honesty, active energies, and prosperity to you!