Every year on 1 November, cemeteries fill with chrysanthemums. It is the quintessential All Saints' Day flower, and almost all of us associate it with remembrance and mourning.
Yet the chrysanthemum wasn't born to be sorrowful. For centuries, it was the flower of emperors, longevity, and joy. Its arrival in our cemeteries has a specific date, reason, and a very practical gardening explanation: it bloomed precisely when it was needed. Here is its story, along with our guide on how to care for it so it lasts for weeks.
A "golden flower" born in China
Its name says it all. "Chrysanthemum" comes from the Greek chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower): literally, the golden flower. It originates in China, where it has been cultivated since at least the 15th century BC. It was prized not only for its beauty but also for its medicinal properties; tradition held that an infusion of chrysanthemum helped prolong life. There, it remains a symbol of wisdom.
In Japan, the emperor's flower
The chrysanthemum reached Japan around the 8th century, where it achieved its highest status. It became the crest of the imperial family, and Japan's monarchy is known as the "Chrysanthemum Throne".
The imperial seal is a 16-petalled chrysanthemum, and that very flower graces the cover of the Japanese passport. In Japan, it symbolises longevity, nobility, and happiness.
A surprise to many is that the delicate yellow flowers garnishing sashimi are, in fact, edible chrysanthemums.
A joyful flower across half the world
Outside Europe, chrysanthemums rarely carry sombre connotations:
In Britain, they are given as a token of friendship or to wish someone a speedy recovery.
In Australia, they are the traditional Mother's Day flower.
Across Asia, they are associated with happiness, love, and immortality.
So, how did they end up in our cemeteries?
1919: the year that changed its destiny
Chrysanthemums arrived in Europe during the 17th century through trade with Asia. For a long time, they were simply treated as another ornamental plant.
By the mid-19th century in France, they began replacing the candles traditionally placed on graves for All Saints' Day. However, the major shift took place after the First World War.
On 11 November 1919, the first anniversary of the Armistice, French President Raymond Poincaré called for the graves of fallen soldiers to be decorated with flowers. There were millions of graves to cover, right in the middle of autumn. Which flower could they choose?
The chrysanthemum was chosen purely on gardening practicality:
It blooms in autumn, right on cue for that time of year.
It tolerates the cold and damp.
It stays vibrant and fresh outdoors for several weeks.
The tribute became an annual tradition, shifted to 1 November, and spread across borders to Belgium, Italy, and Spain. Today, over 25 million potted chrysanthemums are sold in France every year. In short, the chrysanthemum wasn't chosen for sadness, but for its resilience.
Why it blooms right in autumn
The chrysanthemum is a "short-day" plant: it blooms as the nights grow longer. That is why it naturally flowers between October and November.
Commercial nurseries manage light and dark cycles to time flowering precisely, ensuring the plants are in full bloom just in time for All Saints' Day.
How to care for your potted chrysanthemum
A potted chrysanthemum lasts far longer than cut flowers, which quickly deteriorate on cemetery niches when exposed to the sun and wind. Follow these care tips to keep yours looking stunning for weeks:
Light: Place it in a bright spot. Indoors, keep it near a window; outdoors, partial shade is preferable to harsh midday sun.
Watering: Keep the compost moist but never waterlogged. Water when the top layer of soil feels dry, and make sure to empty the drip tray underneath.
Deadheading: Pinch off faded blooms as soon as they wither. This encourages the plant to channel its energy into the remaining buds.
After flowering: Don't throw it away. Cut it back to about 10–15 cm from the base and continue watering moderately.
Planting out: In mild winter climates, you can plant it out into your garden beds or borders in spring. Many will happily flower again the following autumn.
If you have any questions about your plant, bring us a photo or drop by the garden centre and we'll be happy to advise you.
A flower of remembrance, and of life
The next time you see a chrysanthemum, remember that it is far more than just an All Saints' flower. It is the bloom of emperors, longevity, and joy—and, for the past century, a touching tribute to those we hold in our memories.
This All Saints' Day, you will find potted chrysanthemums in a vibrant array of colours at Eiviss Garden. Pop in to pick your favourite, and we'll show you how to keep it thriving.
