For All Saints' Day, the most beautiful chrysanthemums delivered by your local florist

In France, All Saints’ Day and chrysanthemums are inseparable. The connection stems primarily from the nature of the plant: it blooms between late October and November, withstands the first cold nights, and lasts for several weeks on a grave—where some cut flowers don’t survive the first frost. On Sessile, chrysanthemums are offered by independent artisan florists who deliver to your town for All Saints’ Day. The chrysanthemums delivered for All Saints’ Day are in season, sourced whenever possible from local growers, and arranged by professionals who understand their region’s climate and cemetery conditions.

Ordering chrysanthemums for All Saints’ Day works just like any other order placed on Sessile. You enter the delivery address, see which florists deliver to that town, and then browse their arrangements: you choose the plant or arrangement you like best from your favorite florist’s catalog. The florist will prepare it and deliver it in person on the date you’ve selected. The delivery address can be your own, a loved one’s, or directly at the cemetery. Some florists also offer to place the arrangement on the grave—please specify this when placing your order if you’re unable to go in person.

Would you prefer to drop off the plant at the cemetery yourself? Our free “click-and-collect” service is designed for just that. When finalizing your online order, select this option and enter the pickup date; the florist will notify you as soon as your chrysanthemums are ready, and there are no delivery fees to pay. Stopping by the shop also gives youthe opportunity to have a helpful conversation with the florist. Is the grave in full sun or in the shade of a tree? Does your area experience early frosts? Will someone be able to stop by to water it, or will the plant have to fend for itself? These details—which you’re often the only one who knows—will guide the care advice your florist gives you.

The chrysanthemum owes its popularity to its practical qualities. It withstands the cold and the first frosts, when a cut flower wilts overnight. Its blooming period spans several weeks, keeping the grave adorned with flowers well past November 1. It comes in many sizes and colors, from small potted plants to large specimens that adorn an entire headstone. It is also traditionally one of the least expensive flowers during this season—a factor that matters when a family is placing flowers on several graves on the same day. Finally, it is a clear gesture of remembrance: a plant that lasts on a grave that is sometimes visited only once a year.

The large-flowered chrysanthemum, often called a “ball,” forms a regular, imposing sphere: just a few blooms are enough to give structure to a potted arrangement. The pomponnette offers the opposite style, with a compact mass of small, tightly packed flowers that is dense and weather-resistant. There are also multi-flowered varieties, which have a more open, airy appearance, and cascading chrysanthemums that trail down the sides of a bowl or low wall. When it comes to colors, white remains the most understated; yellow, burgundy, pink, and purple add warmth to the atmosphere, while bicolor varieties offer subtle variations. Whether in a pot, vase, or planter, the right size depends on the gravesite: a low, compact pompon variety holds up better in the wind on an exposed grave, while a large, round arrangement looks its best on an unobstructed burial vault. Your florist will be happy to advise you if you’re unsure.

October and November are the peak season for chrysanthemums. The potted plants you find at florists have been grown specifically for this time of year—often by French growers—so that they reach their peak bloom around All Saints’ Day. This seasonal focus makes all the difference on a grave: a plant that’s in sync with its natural cycle hasn’t been forced to bloom early; it’s fresh, hardened byfall temperatures, and will last much longer outdoors. It’s this seasonal approach that Sessile prioritizes, working with artisans who source their supplies locally whenever possible.

In France, the chrysanthemum is the flower of remembrance and reflection. This association is more recent than one might imagine: it took hold after World War I, when people were asked to place flowers on soldiers’ graves in the fall. The chrysanthemum, one of the few flowers that were abundant and hardy at that time, became the flower of choice for gravesites, and the tradition later extended to All Saints’ Day. Since then, it has come to symbolize respect, loyalty, and devotion to the departed. Elsewhere, its symbolism differs significantly: in Japan, where it is the imperial flower, it embodies longevity and honor, and is celebrated every fall during festivals dedicated to it.

Chrysanthemums require little care, which partly explains their popularity as grave decorations. Moderate watering during the first week helps them establish themselves; after that, autumn rain is usually sufficient. Removing wilted flowers over the course of several weeks encourages new buds to open and prolongs the blooming period. If a severe frost is forecast, a winter cover will protect the potted plant. After flowering, the plant isn’t necessarily lost: if replanted in the ground, it has a good chance of blooming again the following fall, and some families reuse it this way year after year.

At Sessile, every order of chrysanthemums for All Saints’ Day is entrusted to the independent florist of your choice, who delivers to the town where the memorial service is held. Each florist creates arrangements based on their own inspiration and the stock they have available. You choose the plant you like from their catalog; they provide careful preparation, hand-delivery on the date you specify, and advice from a professional who knows their region. It’s a simple and meaningful way to honor November 1 with a seasonal variety.

If you'd like to explore other All Saints' Day flower arrangements, feel free to browse our selection of:

Plants for All Saints' Day