Chrysanthemums are autumn flowers that can last 2–3 weeks in a vase. The name comes from Greek: chrysos means gold and anthemon means flower, because the first cultivated chrysanthemums were yellow. They come from China, where they have been grown for more than 2,500 years, and only reached Europe in the 17th–18th centuries.
In this guide: what chrysanthemums symbolise in Lithuania and Asia, which types are used in bouquets and how to care for them so they last.
What chrysanthemums symbolise
The meaning of chrysanthemums depends a lot on the country:
- In Lithuania and most of Europe chrysanthemums are associated with autumn and remembrance: potted chrysanthemums are the most common flowers on graves on All Souls’ Day (Vėlinės). Yet a bouquet of cut chrysanthemums is a perfectly ordinary, festive gift.
- In China the chrysanthemum is one of the “Four Gentlemen” plants, together with the plum blossom, orchid and bamboo. It symbolises longevity and nobility.
- In Japan the chrysanthemum is the emperor’s symbol: a sixteen-petalled chrysanthemum adorns the imperial seal, and the Order of the Chrysanthemum is the country’s highest honour.
- In Australia chrysanthemums are the traditional Mother’s Day flower.
Colour adds further nuance: white chrysanthemums mean purity and respect, yellow ones joy and friendship, red ones love, pink ones tenderness and purple ones good wishes. In France, Belgium or Italy white chrysanthemums are seen as mourning flowers, so when giving flowers to people from those countries choose a mixed or colourful bouquet.
Types of cut chrysanthemums
Hundreds of chrysanthemum varieties are grown for bouquets. Florists usually group them by flower size and shape:
- Spray chrysanthemums – 5–10 medium-sized flowers on one stem. The most versatile, often seen in mixed bouquets.
- Santini – small-flowered spray chrysanthemums with many tiny flowers resembling daisies or buttons. They fill a bouquet nicely and last especially long.
- Large-flowered (disbud) – a single large flower, 10–15 cm across or more, on each stem. They include spider chrysanthemums with long tubular petals.
- Pompon and ball chrysanthemums – dense, round flowers, such as green pompon or pink Momoko chrysanthemums.
Momoko chrysanthemums
Momoko is a ball-type chrysanthemum variety with pink, almost fluffy flowers. The name is Japanese: momo means peach. A single-variety Momoko bouquet looks like a cloud, while with eucalyptus, gypsophila or freesias it becomes light and romantic.
How long do chrysanthemums last in a vase
Chrysanthemums are among the longest-lasting cut flowers: well cared for, they last 2–3 weeks, and santini and spray types sometimes even longer. Usually the leaves start to wilt before the flowers – simply remove them.
How to care for chrysanthemums in a vase
- Cut the stems at an angle, 2–3 cm, with a sharp knife – do not break woody stems, as split ends take up water less well.
- Remove all leaves that would touch the water – chrysanthemum leaves rot quickly in water and cloud it.
- Place in a clean vase with cool water and flower food.
- Change the water every 2–3 days, trim the stems each time and rinse the vase.
- Keep them cool – away from radiators, direct sun and fruit.
- Remove yellowing leaves – the flowers will stay beautiful for a long time.
More general tips in our flower care guide.
Chrysanthemums for All Souls’ Day: choosing potted plants
Before All Souls’ Day the most popular choice in Lithuania is potted ball (multiflora) chrysanthemums. To keep them looking good for longer:
- choose a plant with some buds still closed – it will flower for longer;
- water it well before taking it out, and remove the plastic sleeve on site – moisture collects underneath and the flowers rot;
- chrysanthemums tolerate light frosts, but in hard frost the flowers get damaged – that is natural in late autumn.
Are chrysanthemums poisonous
Ornamental chrysanthemums are not edible. Their sap can irritate the skin of some people, and in cats and dogs that eat leaves or flowers they can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and drooling. Keep the bouquet out of pets’ reach.
What to combine chrysanthemums with
Chrysanthemums go beautifully with lisianthus, carnations, gypsophila and eucalyptus. In autumn we pair them with anthuriums, berries and greenery, in spring with tulips and freesias.
Bouquets with chrysanthemums
We use chrysanthemums in many of our bouquets – from pink Momoko clouds to autumn compositions with anthuriums. You will find them all under bouquets with chrysanthemums; we deliver in Vilnius and across Lithuania.
Momoko CloudsA single-variety bouquet of pink Momoko chrysanthemums – light as a cloud and long-lasting in a vase.From €35View the bouquet →
Frequently asked questions about chrysanthemums
What do chrysanthemums mean?
In Lithuania they are associated with autumn and remembrance, in China with longevity and nobility, and in Japan the chrysanthemum is the emperor’s symbol. A bouquet of cut chrysanthemums is an ordinary gift.
How long do chrysanthemums last in a vase?
2–3 weeks if you change the water every 2–3 days and remove the leaves that touch the water.
Can you give chrysanthemums as a gift?
Yes. Cut chrysanthemums are popular, long-lasting bouquet flowers. When giving them to people from France, Belgium or Italy, avoid all-white chrysanthemums – there they are associated with mourning.
What is the difference between Momoko and santini chrysanthemums?
Momoko is a ball-type variety with large, pink, round flowers; santini are small-flowered spray chrysanthemums with many tiny flowers.
Are chrysanthemums poisonous to cats?
Yes, chrysanthemums are poisonous to cats and dogs: if eaten, they can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
When do chrysanthemums bloom?
In the garden from August until hard frosts, depending on the variety. Greenhouse-grown cut chrysanthemums are available all year round.
