From Birth Flower to Civic Pride: The Chrysanthemum’s Remarkable Rise

On This Day
This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast:

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November 11, 1790

On this day, dear gardening enthusiasts, we celebrate a most auspicious occasion in the annals of British horticulture.

For it was on this very date that the illustrious chrysanthemum made its grand debut on English soil, having embarked on a perilous journey from the distant shores of China.

Oh, what a day of botanical jubilation it must have been!

Imagine, if you will, the excitement that must have rippled through the gardening circles of Georgian England.

These exotic blooms, with their intricate petals and vibrant hues, surely set many a gardener's heart aflutter.

Little did those early admirers know that they were witnessing the birth of a floral legacy that would span centuries and continents.

Now, my dear readers, let us delve into the rich tapestry of symbolism and tradition that surrounds this most versatile of flowers.

Did you know that the chrysanthemum holds the distinguished honor of being both the November birth flower and the chosen bloom for 13th wedding anniversaries?

One can only imagine the joy of a November bride, her bouquet resplendent with these autumnal beauties, celebrating both her nuptials and her natal month in one fell swoop!

But the chrysanthemum's appeal extends far beyond mere ornamental charm.

For those of you with a culinary bent, prepare to be intrigued! The greens and blossoms of this versatile plant are not only pleasing to the eye but also to the palate.

In Japan, China, and Vietnam, chrysanthemum dishes are savored with great relish.

One can almost picture a Japanese tea house, where delicate chrysanthemum petals float atop steaming cups of fragrant tea.

Now, let us turn our attention to the language of flowers, that most delightful of Victorian pastimes.

In this secret code of the blooms, the chrysanthemum speaks volumes.

Generally, it whispers of optimism and joy - sentiments we could all use a touch more of, wouldn't you agree?

But oh, the nuances!

A red chrysanthemum boldly proclaims "I Love," while its yellow counterpart hints at a love slighted.

One can only imagine the drama that unfolded in many a Victorian parlor, with carefully chosen chrysanthemums conveying unspoken sentiments!

In China, the land of the chrysanthemum's origin, this flower is revered as a symbol of autumn and the ninth moon. During the Han dynasty, the Chinese indulged in chrysanthemum wine, believing it to be the very elixir of longevity and health.

Such was their faith in its powers that the chrysanthemum became a common sight at funerals - a final toast to a life well-lived, perhaps?

Venture down under to Australia, and you'll find the chrysanthemum taking center stage on Mother's Day.

Picture the streets of Sydney or Melbourne, awash with the pure white blooms pinned proudly to lapels, a touching tribute to maternal love.

How charming that a flower which traveled so far from China should find such a heartwarming purpose in the antipodes!

In Poland, the chrysanthemum takes on a more somber role.

As All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day approach, these hardy blooms stand sentinel on graves across the country, a colorful homage to those who have passed beyond the veil.

And let us not forget the chrysanthemum's moment of civic pride!

In 1966, Mayor Richard Daley of Chicago - a man clearly possessed of impeccable floral taste - declared the chrysanthemum the official flower of the Windy City.

One can almost hear the rustle of petals in agreement with this most excellent decision!

As we tend to our own modest gardens, let us pay homage to the mighty chrysanthemum. Whether you choose to cultivate it for its beauty, its culinary potential, or its rich symbolic value, remember that you are participating in a horticultural tradition that spans centuries and continents.

And who knows?

Perhaps a sip of chrysanthemum tea might just be the secret to a long and vibrant life - our Chinese forebears certainly thought so!

Deep Pink Chrysanthemums
Deep Pink Chrysanthemums

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