November Birth Flowers & Meanings: Chrysanthemums & Peonies
Know a Scorpio or a Sagittarius? If you've ever wanted to know what the November birth flower is so that you can send it to them on their birthday, you've come to the right place.
Read on to discover the November birth flower meaning and more.
Spoiler: there’s more than one!
What is the birth flower for November?
The chrysanthemum is the official November birth flower. But there is also a lesser known second birth flower of November: the peony. November babies are certainly lucky to have two such lovely birth flowers!
Next to roses and lilies, chrysanthemums are one of the most popular cut-flower varieties in the world.
Peonies, meanwhile, have developed a cult following over the years, blooming for a very short time in late spring and early summer.
Let's take a closer look at each November birth flower’s meaning.
November birth flower #1: Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums, also called “mums”, are known for their variety of shapes, sizes and gorgeous flashes of colour. They're popular in floristry because they make great filler flowers in bouquets, as well as for their resilience and long vase life.
Chrysanthemum flower meanings
Generally speaking, chrysanthemums symbolise longevity, optimism and joy.
This November birth flower has other symbolic meanings in different cultures, as well. In China, chrysanthemums are symbols of vitality. However, people from certain western European countries, such as Italy, Austria and France, consider chrysanthemums to symbolise mourning and death, rather than life.
In floriography, the chrysanthemum was often given to show devotion to another, such as a secret crush. It also symbolised strong friendships, sharing happiness, and wishing for well-being, rest and cheerfulness.
Chrysanthemum colour meanings
Chrysanthemums come in a wide variety of different colours, and the flower's meaning can change depending on the colour.
Red chrysanthemums
Want to take a break from buying roses on Valentine's Day? Red chrysanthemums may be given as a declaration of love and passion for another person, making them a perfect flower choice on romantic gifting occasions.
Yellow chrysanthemums
If you’re hoping to celebrate joyous times ahead, yellow chrysanthemums are optimistic blooms for any occasion.
Conversely, yellow chrysanthemums can also symbolise slighted or neglected love.
White chrysanthemums
White flowers in general are symbols of purity and innocence. White chrysanthemums, however, are also symbols of truth, loyalty and honesty.
Green chrysanthemums
Much like the four leaf clover, green chrysanthemums mean good luck, rebirth, and good health. Offer these to someone to remind them of their lucky future ahead.
Purple chrysanthemums
These symbolise thoughtfulness and care, so send these through to someone that is on your mind; they would surely appreciate the kindness. They're also the perfect "get well soon" bloom, symbolising that very wish.
Pink chrysanthemums
Similarly to pink roses and pink tulips, pink chrysanthemums symbolise friendship and affection.
Chrysanthemum flower history and insights
The chrysanthemum flower was named after the Greek words chrysos and anthemon, meaning gold flower.
This eye-catching November birth flower has a strong history in Chinese culture, dating back to the 15th century B.C. Chrysanthemums are one of four plants (along with bamboo, orchids and plum blossoms) that are collectively known as "The Four Gentlemen" or "The Four Noble Ones" in Chinese culture. They've been depicted in paintings and poems for over a thousand years, and are said to embody human virtues, like inner beauty, humility, tolerance and, in chrysanthemum's case, tenacity to overcome adversity.
In Japan, the chrysanthemum is the country's national flower and is used as the emblem of the imperial family. The chrysanthemum seal is even inscribed onto the front of Japanese passports.
September 9th is also National Chrysanthemum Day in Japan. This festival was established in 910 A.D. and is also known as "The Festival of Happiness".
In the United States, the chrysanthemum is known as the “Queen of Fall Flowers”. And to Australians, chrysanthemums are the official flower of Mother's Day, because of the shortening of the name to "mums".
Chrysanthemums are one of several flowers in the Asteraceae family that's edible. The chrysanthemum flower has also been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. Chrysanthemum tea is still a common herbal remedy today, used to treat ailments like chest pain, high blood pressure, diabetes, headaches and inflammation.
In addition to being one of November's birth flowers, chrysanthemums are also the traditional flower of a 13th wedding anniversary.
November Birth Flower #2: Peonies
Did you know that there are over 40 species of peony? Known for their voluminous, ruffled petals and soft hues, the peony is gifted to show deep compassion, romantic feelings, and positive thoughts. And if you have any November-born friends or family members, you can also gift this flower to them to celebrate their birthday!
Although this elegant flower isn’t as widely recognised as a November birth flower as chrysanthemums, they still make their mark.
Peony flower meanings
Peonies have come to symbolise love, happiness, honour, good fortune, wealth and happy marriage.
These meanings make peonies popular additions to wedding bouquets. At the right time of year, they also make wonderful gifts for graduations, engagements and other celebratory occasions.
Peonies are also the official flower of a 12th wedding anniversary.
Peony colour meanings
As with chrysanthemums and other flowers, the peony flower's meaning can change depending on its colour.
Red peonies
Bright scarlet, these peonies were once prized by the emperors of China. This colour of peony represents passion and the epitome of honour, respect, and prosperity.
Pink peonies
Pink peonies are the most common, ranging in hue from pale blush pink to coral to a vivid fuchsia. This November birth flower signifies the union of marriage or beauty but also mean love at first sight or attraction between strangers. They also symbolise friendship, happiness and both romantic and platonic love.
White peonies
White peonies represent shyness and timid flirtations, but you can also gift these as wedding flowers or as apology flowers.
Yellow peonies
These elegant blooms symbolise new beginnings and fresh starts, as well as optimism and happiness. Yellow peonies are a fantastic flower to give someone who's starting a new job, moving into a new home or embarking on some kind of new life journey.
Peony history and insights
Also called “The King of Flowers”, the history of the peony dates back over 4000 years, first appearing in Asia around 700 A.D. Peonies weren’t introduced to Europe until the 1800’s, where many artists took inspiration from.
Many Japanese gardens had produced the peony, as this flower represented honour and fortune. Japan is now a major supplier of these beautiful birth flowers, but The Netherland's is the world's largest producer today.
In Greek mythology, the name peony came from the Greek name Paeon. This physician of the Greek Gods angered the God of medicine, Asclepius, by curing Pluto, the God of wealth, with the root of the peony. Zeus protected Paeon by transforming him into a flower: the peony.
A second myth came from the Greek Goddess, Paeonia. She wanted the attention of Apollo, God of sun and light, so badly that Aphrodite, the Goddess of sexual love and beauty, turned her into a peony flower out of jealousy.
Like many flowers, the seeds and roots of peonies can be used for a range of medicinal purposes. Parts of the peony were used to assist stomach pains, asthma, headaches, difficulty sleeping and even bladder conditions.
As herbal teas, they can add a tasty splash of flavour. Peonies can also be added to salads for colour, garnish for cocktails, and even have petals sweetened to be used in creamy puddings.
However, peonies can cause mild to moderate poisoning if cats or dogs ingest it. Keep your furry friends safe by keeping this November birth flower distant!
Find out more about birth flowers
At Floraly, we believe that everyone deserves to experience and understand the symbolism of their birth flower.
If you enjoyed this article about November birth flowers and would like to learn more about the birth flowers of other months, have a read of our birth flower guide.
You might discover something new about yourself, and be inspired to send beautiful blooms to your loved ones on their birthday.
In the meantime, if you're looking for beautiful flowers to send to your loved ones on their birthday, check out our birthday flower collection.
Or you can explore our Flower Delivery Melbourne and Flower Delivery Sydney collections to see what flowers we can deliver to your loved ones in these locations.