Chrysanthemum – history of the autumn symbol
The history of the chrysanthemum begins in Asia, specifically in China, which is rightly considered the center of its centuries‑old tradition. The plant is included among the “Four Gentlemen” along with bamboo, the flowering plum, and the orchid — each symbolizing one of the seasons. The earliest evidence of chrysanthemum cultivation dates back about 3,600–3,700 years, and the flower is also mentioned in the writings of Confucius.
As a symbol of autumn, the chrysanthemum in Chinese tradition embodies wisdom and the vital energy of the departed summer. It is believed that the flower brings health and strength, necessary to face the coming winter.
Chrysanthemums, unidentified artist, after Yun Shouping Chinese Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
By the 8th century, the chrysanthemum had reached Japan and was adopted as a symbol of the imperial family. To this day, it is said that the Japanese emperor ascends the “Chrysanthemum Throne,” and official state passports and decrees bear the 16‑petal seal - the Imperial Seal of Japan.
In Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum symbolizes longevity, health, and the warmth of the sun. It is honored with the national Chrysanthemum Festival (Kiku‑no Sekku), celebrated on September 9, when people traditionally admire the flowers and drink rice wine infused with chrysanthemum petals, believed to grant long life.
Chrysanthemums and Horsefly, Katsushika Hokusai, c. 1833–34
The chrysanthemum first arrived in Europe from Japan in 1676, but at that time it remained a botanical rarity and did not gain wide popularity. The real sensation came in 1789, when the French sailor Pierre Blanchard brought the chrysanthemum from Marseille to England. From that moment, active breeding began, and by the mid‑19th century thousands of varieties already existed in France and England, creating a sensation at flower exhibitions.
This was further encouraged by the spread of Japanese prints depicting chrysanthemums: the Impressionists were captivated by the flower. Claude Monet, Gustave Caillebotte, and James Tissot painted it, admired it, and cultivated it in their gardens. Each contributed to its popularization, turning the chrysanthemum into not only a garden plant but also an artistic symbol of the era. In this way, the chrysanthemum conquered Europe.
Claude Monet, Massif de chrysanthèmes, 1987
Today, the global collection of chrysanthemums numbers between 13,000 and more than 20,000 varieties, cultivated on an industrial scale worldwide. The Netherlands is rightly considered the leader of the international flower market, where the chrysanthemum is among the key crops alongside roses and tulips.
In Argentina, thanks to a mild climate with temperatures of 13–18 °C, they bloom especially abundantly. On local markets, fresh cut chrysanthemums appear in large quantities with the arrival of autumn — from late March to May — becoming the main decoration of our seasonal bouquets.
Why do we (and florists all over the world!) love chrysanthemums so much?
- Incredible variety of forms - from small daisy‑like shrubs to large single‑headed blooms. This makes it possible to create airy field bouquets as well as more voluminous mono‑, duo‑, or mixed compositions.
- Exceptional durability - once cut, chrysanthemums stay fresh for up to 3 weeks, delighting the eye for a long time.
- Wide color palette - from green and lemon to deep burgundy and terracotta, chrysanthemums fit any color scheme and customer preference, whether for a delicate pastel bouquet or a bright autumn accent.
- Affordable price - compared to roses and hydrangeas, chrysanthemums are a more accessible option, while matching or even surpassing them in durability and variety of forms, remaining a favorite of seasonal floristry.
This autumn we offer you a wide selection of bouquets with chrysanthemums — the main flower of the season — so you can welcome winter with warmth and joy in your heart. You can find examples and prices of bouquets on our website and Instagram ❀