Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are a diverse and hardy group of flowering plants known for their daisy-like blooms and long vase life. They come in a wide range of colours, shapes, and sizes — from small button mums to large, statement blooms — making them a staple in gardens, homes, and floral design.

Blooming primarily in autumn — March to June in South Africa — they symbolise joy, longevity, and loyalty in many cultures.

Look for full, layered flower heads on sturdy stems with deeply lobed, aromatic green leaves. With thousands of cultivars bred over centuries, chrysanthemums come in many distinct forms — pompon, spider, quill, spoon, and classic daisy shapes — ranging from tight 2 cm buttons to dramatic 15 cm blooms.

Across cultures, chrysanthemums carry the meanings of joy, longevity, and loyalty. In Japan the flower is a symbol of the imperial family and celebrated with its own national day, while in China it stands for endurance through adversity as one of the Four Gentlemen of classical art. Colours carry their own messages: yellow for cheerfulness, white for sincerity, and red for love.

Light: Bright light, including some direct sun. Keep in the brightest spot available indoors.

Water: Keep soil evenly moist. Water as soon as the surface starts to feel dry.

Humidity & Feeding: Average humidity is fine. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

A florist favourite for their exceptional vase life and generous, full blooms. Chrysanthemums bring volume and colour to celebration bouquets, add warmth to autumn arrangements and home décor, and are a classic, respectful choice in sympathy work. Their sturdy stems also make them a reliable base flower for larger installations.

Chrysanthemums have been cultivated for over 3,000 years, first as a flowering herb in ancient China. Japan celebrates National Chrysanthemum Day, known as the Festival of Happiness, and the flower appears on the Japanese imperial seal. And the name comes from the Greek for "golden flower" — the original wild blooms were small and yellow.