Flowers can be a welcome substitute to words marking an individual’s birthday. They add a little extra to the giver’s message with both fragrance and beauty. With so many blooms to choose from, it can be difficult to select the right ones for the right person. Thankfully, each flower has a meaning, and this meaning conveys certain emotions, moods or thoughts to the recipient.
November birth flower
The flower linked to November is the chrysanthemum. This beautiful bloom boasts an array of hot-hues similar to that of autumn leaves. It’s a great gift to give those who wish to add an injection of ambience and warmth to their homes and offices.
The meaning and symbolism of chrysanthemums.
November birth flowers, chrysanthemums, are often nicknamed ‘mums’. The word, “chrysanthemum,” derives from the Greek prefix ‘chrys’, which means golden, whilst ‘anthemion’ means flower. It’s traditionally available in an assortment of golden shades, although today’s blooms are available in a wide range of colours. This makes them a popular option for both the home and garden, as there is something to suit all decors and outdoor spaces.
Chrysanthemum symbolisms
·This flower is native to Asia and has a history that dates back to the 15th century B.C. These blooms are symbolic of different meanings depending on where they originate from.
·In Japan, they even host a ‘Festival of Happiness’ to celebrate this flower every year.
·Both the Japanese and the Chinese consider chrysanthemums a strong emblem of youth. The Chinese also believe that this bloom stops you from getting grey hair.
·This bloom is said to also be a symbol of the sun, as the Japanese consider the symmetrical unfolding of the flower’s petals to represent that of perfection.
·Confucius once suggested chrysanthemums be seen as a meditation object.
·Many places one single petal in the bottom of a glass of wine to enhance its longevity.
Chrysanthemum colours and meanings
As chrysanthemums come in a range of colours, several of the colours carry different meanings, so you’ll want to ensure you pick the right one. For instance, red chrysanthemums are symbolic of ‘I love you’. Meanwhile, a white chrysanthemum stands for purity, innocence and pure love. A yellow chrysanthemum stands for slighted love.
When gifting the November birth flower, think about the recipient and their relationship to you prior to choosing a colour. If gifting to a partner, husband or wife, red is an ideal option. If gifting to a colleague, white or a hot-hue may be more suitable. If you’re unsure about what colour of chrysanthemum to pick, opt for a generic hue, as this is likely to appeal to all tastes and will fit in with all surroundings.
Gardening tips
Chrysanthemum blooms are perennials. Once they complete flowering, which usually takes place in the autumn months, it’s wise to mulch them with straw. Around several inches should protect them from cooler temperatures. These plants are hugely popular as they produce a wide range of colours, which makes them extremely versatile. In fact, there is a shade to suit all tastes, homes and gardens.
When to plant chrysanthemums
For best results, it’s wise to plant chrysanthemums in May. The end result will be masses of picture-perfect orange, yellow, pink, and copper hues. If buying these plants in their mature stages, choose plants that feature lots of unopened buds. This will mean they will last longer and into the months of autumn. Avoid planting chrysanthemums later in the season or those that are close to the flowering stage, as, by this point, they’ll have less energy to grow new roots and are less likely to last through the winter. Instead, all of their energy is focused on blooming. That is why chrysanthemums are best suited to the months of spring and should thrive best when planted at this time of year.
Gardeners who live in cooler climates, where temperatures can drop to below zero, should be aware they can lose even spring-planted hardy chrysanthemums to the coolness of the winter. Leaving the dead foliage on chrysanthemums instead of pruning the unwanted and unruly foliage for aesthetic purposes, will help you to protect them, meaning you can enjoy their beauty for longer.