Flower Encyclopedia
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum morifolium
Long-lasting, densely petaled, and available in more forms than almost any cut flower.
Written by the Burton Floral Design team · Published July 24, 2026
At A Glance
Typical vase life
10–21 days
Availability
Year-round
Peak months
Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Cost
Budget-friendly
Fragrance
Light
Pollen
Moderate
Care
Easy
Out of water
4+ hours
Heat tolerance
High
Cold tolerance
High
Outdoor events
Excellent
Around pets
Use caution
Pets in the house? Use caution.
Chrysanthemums warrant caution around cats and dogs — they contain compounds that can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of coordination if chewed or eaten. Keep arrangements out of reach, and contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service if a pet ingests any part.
What It Means
Chrysanthemums stand for longevity, joy, and loyalty in much of Asia, where they are highly honored, while in parts of Europe and Latin America white mums are strongly tied to remembrance and funerals. Read the setting: they can mean cheerful abundance or solemn tribute depending on where and how they are used.
Colors it comes in
white · yellow · bronze · pink · red · purple · green · orange
Coordinates beautifully with
bronze · gold · deep green · burgundy
Season & Sourcing
Grown year-round and reliably available, with the fullest range and most seasonal demand in fall. Spider, football, and spray forms broaden the options well beyond the familiar daisy type.
Vase life, honestly
Among the longest-lasting cut flowers in the shop — two to three weeks is achievable with clean water. The petals tend to outlast the foliage, so remove yellowing leaves to keep the arrangement looking fresh.
Fragrance
The blooms are nearly scentless, though the foliage has a distinctive sharp, herbal smell when handled.
Keeping It Alive
- 1Recut stems at an angle and strip the lower foliage, which fades before the blooms.
- 2Use flower food and refresh the water every few days.
- 3Remove any yellowing leaves promptly to keep the arrangement crisp.
- 4Keep them cool and out of direct sun to extend the long vase life.
- 5Keep them away from ripening fruit and its ethylene.
What it costs: An economical, high-value flower given how long it lasts. Premium disbudded forms like football and spider mums cost more but still offer strong value.
Where It Shines
At weddings
A budget-friendly and durable option, especially the newer spider and disbudded forms that look nothing like the old-fashioned mum. They hold up through long events and heat, making them practical for outdoor and late-season weddings.
In sympathy work
A cornerstone of sympathy work in many cultures — used heavily in standing sprays, wreaths, and casket pieces for their longevity and symbolism. Be mindful that in some European and Latin American traditions white mums are specifically funeral flowers.
Every day
A hardworking everyday flower that outlasts almost anything else in a bouquet, and a signature of fall decorating. Cheerful in mixed bunches and generous as a gift for the value.
A Little History
Chrysanthemums were cultivated in China more than 2,000 years ago and became the imperial emblem of Japan, where they remain the crest of the throne. They spread to Europe in the eighteenth century and are now one of the most-grown cut flowers in the world.
Questions People Ask
How long do chrysanthemums last in a vase?
Two to three weeks is realistic with clean water and flower food, among the longest of any cut flower. Removing yellowing foliage as it appears keeps the whole arrangement looking fresh.
Are chrysanthemums appropriate as a gift, or only for funerals?
It depends on the culture — in much of Asia they mean longevity and joy, while in some European and Latin American traditions white mums are strongly associated with funerals. When in doubt about the recipient's background, choose another flower or ask.
Why is only the foliage on my mums wilting?
Chrysanthemum leaves fade well before the blooms do. Strip the lower foliage at arranging and pull any that yellow, and the flowers will keep going for another week or more.
Are chrysanthemums a concern around pets?
Yes — they contain compounds that can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of coordination if eaten. If a pet ingests any part, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control service.
From profile to porch
Love This Flower? Send It Today
Browse arrangements featuring the flowers you just read about — designed with the same honesty you found here.