Name: Chrysanthemum also known as pompon

Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum x morifolium or dendranthema x grandiflorum

Meaning: Named by Carolis Linnaeus in the 17th century, the chrysanthemum represents cheerfulness, friendship, peace, loveliness, optimism, abundance and wealth. Red pompons profess love, yellow means new opportunity and white speaks only of truth.

Pronunciation: kris-an-thi-mum / den-dran-thi-ma

Family: Compositae

Origin: Japan and China. The Chinese use the chrysanthemum as their symbol of royalty, and consider this bloom the highest of all the flowers.

Grows in: Europe, Asia and South Africa.

Availability: Chrysanthemums are available all year round.

Color Options: Spray chrysanthemums, also known as pompons, come in cushion, daisy, and novelty forms in a large variety of colors including pink, purple, white red, yellow, magenta, and bronze.

Care Tips: Don't be fooled by these dainty blooms. Chrysanthemums are as durable as they are delightful. Water occasionally and add flower food for prolonged life.

Life Span: One to two weeks

Uses: Chrysanthemum flowers are used to make a sweet drink known as chrysanthemum tea. This tea is considered medicinal in Asia.

Mixes well with: Pompons are fun and festive flowers. They create feelings of youth, playfulness or jubilation. Mix with some hydrangeas, larkspur, and lilies in vibrant shades for a fun and eye-catching arrangement.

Interesting facts: The chrysanthemum received its name from the Greek 'krus anthemon', meaning golden flower. Legend has it that this was the first sighting of the chrysanthemum (while the Greeks were on a search for a magical herb that would grant eternal life).

The chrysanthemum is the flower of the month of November.

In Japan, the chrysanthemum has its own holiday, a festival of happiness celebrated every September 9.

Chrysanthemums are symbolic of laughter and joy in the home, according to followers of the Feng Shui lifestyle.