Chrysanthemum Among all the flowers, Chinese scholars single out four flowers to be "the four noblest" or "the four exemplary ones." They are the plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum.
In East Asia, the chrysanthemum is a highly valued flower. In Japan it is part of the Emperor's emblem, and in China it is considered the symbol of fall, or the 9th month of the Chinese calendar. It is the symbol of permanence and long life. In China, rice wine from the previous year is treated with chrysanthemums. In pictures, the flower appears together with other symbols from nature. The pine tree and chrysanthemum are used together to express the wish: "May you have a long life." The chrysanthemum, as the symbol of fall, is compared to a wise, educated person who lives a simple life and meets every¬body with kindness-even those of ill will. In the West, we grow not only the traditional white and yellow chrysanthemums that bloom in September and October, but also the smaller varieties as potted plants for indoors and in flower beds outside the whole summer. They are excellent indoors as an air filter, are easy to care for, and the blossoms last a long time. Because of the colors and shape, the classic chrysanthemum is assigned to the feng shui element Metal, making it a good choice for the Children and Helpful Friends areas.
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