September Birth Flowers:Asters And Morning Glories

In many cultures, flowers have always held a special place, symbolizing beauty, love, and transition. Those celebrating birthdays in September are especially fortunate, as they are associated with two beautiful flowers: Asters, the main flowers, and Morning Glories, the secondary flowers. This article will delve into the fascinating world of these September blooms, explore their cultural significance, maintenance tips, and offer insightful stories related to these delightful flowers.

A Closer Look at September's Main Flower: Asters

Aspect	Details
Introduction	Asters are star-shaped flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall. They belong to the Asteraceae family.
Flowering Period	Asters typically bloom from late August through October.
Cultural Meaning	In various cultures, asters symbolize love, wisdom, and faith. In ancient Greece, they were considered sacred to the gods.
Applicable Scenarios	Asters are perfect for autumn wedding bouquets, rustic home gardens, and as accents in floral arrangements.

Maintaining the Beauty of Asters

• Asters prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
• Water asters deeply to encourage deep root growth but avoid overwatering.
• Deadheading spent blossoms will encourage more blooms and prolong the flowering season.
• Avoid using too much fertilizer as it can promote foliage growth over flowers.
• Companion Planting: Pair asters with ornamental grasses for added texture and color contrast.

Secondary September Flower: Morning Glories

Aspect	Details
Introduction	Morning Glories are known for their trumpet-shaped flowers and vibrant colors, often blooming in the early morning.
Flowering Period	These flowers usually bloom from late spring until the frost.
Cultural Meaning	Morning Glories symbolize unrequited love in the Victorian flower language and can also signify mortality and the fleeting nature of life.
Applicable Scenarios	Ideal for creating lively garden trellises, fences, and as ephemeral additions to bouquets.

Caring for Morning Glories

• Morning Glories thrive in full sun and can tolerate poor, dry soils.
• Avoid overwatering as they do not like soggy soil.
• They need support structures for climbing, like a trellis or an arch.
• Pruning is not essential but can stimulate new growth and more blooms.
• Mix and Match: Morning Glories can be paired with moonflowers for a day and night garden effect.

Stories and Legends Surrounding Asters and Morning Glories

The aster is steeped in mythology, particularly in ancient Greek culture. According to legend, asters were created by the tears of the Greek goddess Astraea. As she looked down upon the earth and saw no stars, her tears transformed into these radiant flowers. This association with divine tears gives asters an almost mystical quality, emphasizing their symbolism of love and wisdom.

Morning Glories carry a different kind of legend, one that often intertwines with themes of love and loss in Asian cultures. The flowers bloom at sunrise and close by midday, representing the fleeting beauty of life. In one such story, a celestial princess fell in love with a mortal. They could only meet in the morning hours, and so the Morning Glory came to symbolize their ephemeral yet enduring love.

In conclusion, the September birthday flowers, Asters and Morning Glories, offer a beautiful and symbolic palette of color and meaning. Celebrating these blooms means appreciating the rich tapestry of cultural history and nature's seasonal gifts. Whether for a September celebration or for your garden, understanding their stories and care ensures that their beauty is shared and savored by all.