Chrysanthemum

The chrysanthemum is a symbol of autumn.  It is associated with the nineth month of the chinese calender and sometime termed as Chrysanthemum month. In chinese it is pronounced as ju （菊） which sounds like to remain (居 ).  And since the nineth month is jiu　（九） which has the same pronunciation as long time (久), chrysanthemum is associated with long life and duration.   The 9th day of 9th month is especially auspicious and called Chongyang　（重阳）.   In ancient time was a time of festivity, drinking of chrysanthemum wine and poems.  

It flourishes during autumn while many flowers dwindle and is much appreciated by the literati as a symbol of strength in adversity. 

When depicted with a grasshopper on the chrysanthemum, it symbolises a life long span in high official position.  The pronunciation for grasshopper in Northern China is guo (蝈）which also close to guan ( 官 )meaning official.  

Also sometime used together with pine tree (another symbol of longevity) to symbolise a long life.  In Tao Yuan Ming's poem 'Returning Home', he wrote 'Pine tree and chrysanthemum outlast ((all things); may you do likewise'.