September Birth Flower - Aster & Morning Glory
Star-like Asters and vibrant Morning Glories symbolizing love, wisdom, and affection
About September's Birth Flowers
September is celebrated with two enchanting birth flowers: the Aster and the Morning Glory. Asters, whose name means "star" in Greek, blanket autumn landscapes with their daisy-like blooms in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white. They are cherished symbols of love, wisdom, faith, and valor.
Morning Glories (Ipomoea spp.) are fast-growing vines that greet the dawn with their trumpet-shaped flowers. These ephemeral beauties, which often last only a single day, symbolize affection, love (sometimes unrequited), and the preciousness of each new beginning. Their vibrant colors, ranging from deep blues and purples to soft pinks and whites, add a touch of magic to early fall gardens.
Together, Asters and Morning Glories offer a beautiful representation of September's character—a blend of late summer's lingering warmth and autumn's emerging richness. They remind us of enduring love and wisdom, as well as the fleeting beauty that makes each day special.
Aster & Morning Glory Properties
Aster (Starwort)
Physical Properties
- Scientific Name: Aster (Symphyotrichum spp.)
- Color: Purple, blue, pink, white, red
- Bloom Season: Late summer to fall, peaking in September
- Growth Habit: Upright, bushy perennial
- Fragrance: Mild, slightly sweet
Symbolic Meaning
- Love
- Wisdom
- Faith
- Valor
- Patience
- Elegance
- Daintiness
Morning Glory
Physical Properties
- Scientific Name: Ipomoea purpurea
- Color: Blue, purple, pink, white, magenta
- Bloom Season: Summer to early fall
- Growth Habit: Climbing vine
- Fragrance: Subtle, sweet fragrance, especially in the morning
Symbolic Meaning
- Affection
- Love (often unrequited or fleeting)
- Mortality (due to short lifespan of blooms)
- Humility
- Spontaneousness
Care & Maintenance
Aster Care
- Plant in full sun to light shade in well-draining soil
- Water regularly, especially during dry periods
- Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer
- Pinch back stems in early summer for bushier growth and more blooms
- Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor
Morning Glory Care
- Plant in full sun in moderately fertile, well-draining soil
- Provide support for climbing (trellis, fence)
- Water regularly, but avoid overwatering
- May self-seed readily; remove spent flowers to control spread if desired
- Soak seeds overnight before planting to aid germination
The Rich History of September's Birth Flowers
Asters, with their star-like radiance, have a lineage rooted in ancient Greek mythology. Legend tells that Asters blossomed from the tears of Astraea, the goddess of innocence and purity, who wept when she found the earth devoid of stars. The name "Aster" itself is derived from the Greek word for "star." These flowers were also associated with magic and were believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits. In Victorian times, Asters conveyed sentiments of daintiness, patience, and afterthought.
Morning Glories, native to the tropical regions of the Americas and Asia, have been cultivated for centuries. In ancient China and Japan, they were prized not only for their beauty but also for their medicinal uses. The Aztecs of Mexico also held Morning Glories in high regard, using certain species in spiritual rituals. When introduced to Europe, their quick-fading blooms led to associations with the fleeting nature of love and life, often symbolizing unrequited or short-lived affection in Victorian floriography.
Both flowers hold a special place in folklore and tradition, representing the beauty and transition of the late summer and early autumn seasons. Their connection to September's birthstone, Sapphire, further enhances their significance, linking them to themes of wisdom, faith, and celestial beauty.
Aster & Morning Glory Varieties
Both Asters and Morning Glories boast a wide range of varieties, offering diverse colors, shapes, and sizes for gardens and bouquets:
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
A popular Aster variety known for its vibrant purple, pink, or white flowers and tall, bushy growth. Attracts butterflies.
New York Aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii)
Similar to New England Aster but generally shorter, with smooth leaves. Comes in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white.
Heavenly Blue Morning Glory (Ipomoea tricolor 'Heavenly Blue')
Perhaps the most iconic Morning Glory, famed for its large, sky-blue flowers with white throats. A vigorous climber.
Grandpa Ott's Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea 'Grandpa Ott')
An heirloom variety with deep purple flowers marked by a reddish star. Known for its prolific blooming.
Fascinating Facts About September's Birth Flowers
Fact #1
Asters are a vital late-season nectar source for monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
Fact #2
The ancient Greeks burned Aster leaves to ward off evil spirits and snakes.
Fact #3
Morning Glory flowers typically open in the early morning and close by the afternoon, lasting only a single day.
Fact #4
Some Morning Glory species have seeds containing LSA, a psychedelic compound, and have been used in shamanistic rituals.
Fact #5
Asters belong to the Asteraceae family, one of the largest plant families, which also includes daisies and sunflowers.
Fact #6
Morning Glories are fast-growing vines and can quickly cover trellises, fences, or arbors.
Connection to September's Birthstone - Sapphire
September's birth flowers, Aster and Morning Glory, share intriguing connections with the month's primary birthstone, the magnificent Sapphire:
September's birth flowers, Aster and Morning Glory, reflect the transition from summer to autumn, much like the deep blue of September's primary birthstone, Sapphire, evokes the clear autumn skies.
The wisdom symbolized by Asters aligns with the traditional association of Sapphires with wisdom and royalty.
The vibrant blues and purples common in both Asters and Morning Glories mirror the most prized hues of Sapphire.
The fleeting beauty of Morning Glory blooms can be seen as a reminder to cherish each moment, a sentiment that complements the enduring nature of gemstones like Sapphire.
Explore Other Birthstones
Explore Other Birth Flowers
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