What are the Language of Flowers for Chrysanthemums? Also Explaining Cultivars and History!

The chrysanthemum is a flower representative of Japan. It has been loved since ancient times and is Japan's national flower, second only to the cherry blossom.
Those familiar with flowers might primarily associate them with offerings, but thanks to breeding efforts, many stylish chrysanthemums are now available and are being used in flower gifts.
This time, we will introduce you to chrysanthemums. We will explain everything from the language of flowers to traditional cultivars and history in detail.

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What kind of flower is a chrysanthemum?

Chrysanthemums are flowers with over 200 varieties, sold not only in flower shops and garden centers but also in supermarkets and home centers.
Originally, there were about 20 species of wild chrysanthemums, and those currently available are ornamental varieties called "Ie-giku" (domestic chrysanthemums).
Today, they are available year-round and are as popular as roses and carnations.
Exhibitions are also held in autumn, making them a flower with many enthusiasts.

Origin of the name "Kiku" (Chrysanthemum)

The most likely theory for the origin of the name "Kiku" is that it was called "kuku" when it was introduced from China.
Another theory suggests that it was called "kiku" as a corruption of the word "kiwamaru" (to reach an end), being the last flower to bloom in the year.
"Kiwamaru" means the end of something.

What is the language of flowers for chrysanthemums?

The language of flowers for chrysanthemums is "trust," "nobility," "integrity," and "refinement."
This language of flowers comes from the fact that chrysanthemums are used as symbols of the imperial family.
Additionally, when chrysanthemums first arrived from China, they were considered a medicine for eternal youth and longevity, highly valued by people of high status, which also contributed to their meaning.
Since they are associated with such dignified meanings, they are perfect for gifting on celebratory occasions.
It would be a good idea to present a flower gift containing chrysanthemums for the grand opening of a high-class restaurant or similar establishment.

Language of flowers for red chrysanthemums

The language of flowers for red chrysanthemums is "I love you" and "love." These meanings perfectly suit their passionate color.
The red color is very striking, and its gorgeous and impressive appearance makes it recommended for incorporating into Japanese-style wedding bouquets, entrusting it with your feelings.
It is also recommended to present a bouquet combined with other Japanese floral materials as a gift for a loved one's birthday or wedding anniversary.

Language of flowers for pink chrysanthemums

The language of flowers for pink chrysanthemums is "sweet dreams." This is believed to have been attributed due to the sweet hue of pink.
The pink of chrysanthemums is gentler and sweeter compared to other flowers, making them popular among women. They are often available as spray mums.
They have a fanciful ambiance, so they would look good in flower arrangements with other Japanese floral materials.

Language of flowers for white chrysanthemums

The language of flowers for white chrysanthemums is "truth," "admiration," and "sincere heart." These flowers are primarily used for offerings and funerals.
Due to the language of flowers "admiration" and "sincere heart," they are often used specifically as memorial flowers.
Given this background, they are not particularly suitable as gifts for celebratory occasions.
When a loved one passes away, it would be appropriate to send a pillow flower arrangement or an offering flower arrangement using white chrysanthemums, entrusting your feelings to their language of flowers.

Language of flowers for yellow chrysanthemums

The language of flowers for yellow chrysanthemums is "slight love," "broken heart," and "longevity and happiness."
While "slight love" and "broken heart" have somewhat negative connotations and are not suitable for celebrations, "longevity and happiness," inspired by the auspicious yellow color, carries a very positive meaning.
It would be suitable for gifting as a celebration of longevity, such as for a Kiju (77th birthday) celebration. Please present it as a bouquet combined with other Japanese floral materials.

Language of flowers for purple chrysanthemums

Among them, purple chrysanthemums are popular. The language of flowers for purple chrysanthemums is "Please trust me," "dreams come true," and "victory in love."
The meaning "dreams come true" is very positive, making it recommended as a gift for new beginnings such as store openings or business launches.
Furthermore, purple is considered a mystical and trustworthy color, making it also recommended as a flower for offering to the deceased. It would be good to include it in offering flower arrangements.

What is the history of chrysanthemums?

Chrysanthemums are flowers with a very distinguished history, spanning over 3000 years in China. They were introduced to Japan between the Nara and Heian periods as medicinal herbs and ornamental plants, becoming beloved by court nobles. At that time, they were considered miraculous herbs for eternal youth and longevity, referred to by other names such as "chiyomigusa" (seeing a thousand generations) and "yowaigusa" (age-grass), and enjoyed by floating them in sake.

Later, in the Edo period, a gardening boom arrived, and many common people began to cultivate them in their gardens. During this period, breeding progressed explosively, leading to the creation of many unique Japanese varieties known as "Kotengiku" (classical chrysanthemums) with diverse colors and shapes.
(Reference: Public Interest Incorporated Association Japan Association for Techno-innovation in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries "Roots of Chrysanthemums")
(Reference: National Diet Library Reference Collaborative Database)

History of chrysanthemums in China and Europe?

The history of chrysanthemums in China is ancient, dating back to the Zhou Dynasty approximately 3000 years ago. Chrysanthemums have been popular in China since ancient times, and many poets composed poems about them. At that time, they were also enjoyed as chrysanthemum tea and chrysanthemum sake, wishing for eternal youth and longevity.

Chrysanthemums were introduced to Europe from China in 1789, arriving in France. However, they initially enjoyed only moderate popularity. The tide turned in the latter half of the 19th century. Around 1860, at the end of the Edo period, Japanese chrysanthemums were introduced to Europe by British botanist Robert Fortune. The diverse blooming styles unique to Japan became highly fashionable in London, leading to extensive breeding and their spread worldwide as "Mums" (Western chrysanthemums).
(Reference: Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo "Autumn Colors: Secrets of Chrysanthemums" p.7)

Are chrysanthemums used as Buddhist flowers?

Chrysanthemums have been considered highly dignified flowers since ancient times. Because of this, they have gained widespread acceptance as flowers offered at Buddhist altars.
It is also believed that chrysanthemums were offered at Buddhist altars because their scent resembles incense and they last a long time.
Another important point is that chrysanthemums do not shed many petals even when they wilt, and the flowers open fully even when displayed from bud state.

Can chrysanthemums be eaten?

Chrysanthemums have been eaten in China since the Tang Dynasty, with varieties specifically bred for consumption. Since chrysanthemums were believed to be a medicine for longevity, it was thought that eating them would make the body healthy,
turn hair black, and even restore lost teeth. About 300 years later, the custom of drinking chrysanthemum sake on September 9th (Choyo no Sekku, or Chrysanthemum Festival) emerged.
It was believed that the more chrysanthemum sake one drank, the longer one would live.
It is known that chrysanthemums were eaten in Japan during the Edo period, and it was said that boiling chrysanthemum petals and dipping them in soy sauce was a delicious way to eat them. That certainly sounds tasty.
Even today, edible chrysanthemums are sold in supermarkets. They are a delicacy for adults, known for their crisp texture.

What kinds of chrysanthemum varieties are there?

Over its long history, chrysanthemums have been bred into a wide variety of cultivars, numbering around 200 species.
Here, we will primarily explain various chrysanthemum cultivars, focusing on ornamental varieties native to Japan.
Please use this information as a reference when choosing gifts.

"O-giku" (Large Chrysanthemums), an ancient variety

A characteristic of O-giku (large chrysanthemums) is that they produce a single large flower. Their flower diameter can be approximately 20 centimeters, making them very large and impressive compared to other flowers.
O-giku are created by removing several buds from a single branch, allowing all nutrients to concentrate on one flower.
Furthermore, O-giku can be broadly categorized into three types: "Atsumono," which have many petals gathered in a compact mound; "Kudamono," which have slender petals radiating outwards; and "Hiromono," which have flat petals arranged in a single layer.

"Chūgiku" (Medium Chrysanthemums) used for Buddhist flowers, etc.

Chūgiku (medium chrysanthemums) are often found in flower shops as cut flowers or Buddhist flowers. Cultivars called Kotengiku (classical chrysanthemums), which were bred during the Edo period, also fall into this category.
Closer to home, Chūgiku are also used for memorial flowers, and the fresh flower altars seen at funerals are likely made of Chūgiku.
The size of the flowers ranges from 9 to 18 cm. Recently, Western European chrysanthemums, which have many new varieties, are also considered Chūgiku.

"Kogiku" (Small Chrysanthemums) for chrysanthemum dolls, etc.

Kogiku refers to chrysanthemums with flowers about 1cm to 3cm in diameter. They are one of the long-loved chrysanthemum varieties, enjoyed when cultivated as bonsai or used for chrysanthemum dolls. Botanically, they belong to the same species as spray chrysanthemums (mentioned below), but here they are introduced separately as they originated in Japan. They are also sold as cut flowers and are frequently used in funeral settings, similar to Chugiku.Incidentally, Kogiku have their own language of flowers: "innocence," "truth," and "vitality."

"Spray Chrysanthemums" active in flower gifts

Spray chrysanthemums refer to chrysanthemums with a flower diameter of about 3cm to 6cm, and like small chrysanthemums, they produce many flowers on a single stem.
They are often used as cut flowers in bouquets and flower arrangements abundant with autumn flowers, and are also frequently used as Buddhist flowers.
Spray chrysanthemums originated in America and were sold in Japan in 1974. They are hardy, easy to grow, and come in a wide variety.

Summary

The language of flowers for chrysanthemums is "trust," "nobility," "integrity," and "refinement," conveying dignified meanings.
While primarily used for offerings, stylish Western chrysanthemums have been developed in recent years, leading to increased use in flower gifts.
They are long-lasting and cost-effective! Pale pink and green chrysanthemums are refreshing and lovely, making them excellent for interior decoration!
Of course, they are also recommended as flower gifts, so please present a bouquet or flower arrangement containing chrysanthemums for celebratory occasions.

◆Revision History
December 11, 2025: Some years corrected. References and sources added.