Did you know that each month is associated with specific flowers? These “birth month flowers” carry symbolic meanings and are often given as gifts. For those born in September, there are two beautiful choices: the aster and the morning glory.
Both the aster and morning glory are unique in appearance and symbolism, making them the perfect choice for September birthdays.
In this article, we’ll explore the history, symbolism, varieties, and cultural significance of both the aster and the morning glory, the official month of September flower. We’ll also give you some ideas for incorporating them into bouquets and gifts.
The primary September bloom: Asters
If you were born in September, your birth flower is the aster, a star-shaped bloom that comes in a rainbow of colors.
Aster symbolism and meaning
Asters often symbolize love, patience, loyalty, wisdom, enchantment, and unspoken admiration, although the exact symbolism can vary a bit depending on the color of the aster.
Flowers often carry cultural and historical significance, and the aster is no exception.
Aster varieties and characteristics
Asters have a star-like appearance and come in lots of colors, including purple, periwinkle, blue, pink, white, and yellow.
Some popular varieties include Hamilton’s Pink and Purple Cloud.
Aster history and trivia
Asters have been used in ancient cultures for various purposes. The flower has even played a political role at times. For example, the Aster Revolution in Hungary got its name from protestors who wore asters. After World War II, soldiers in France were given asters.
Asters have also appeared in art and literature. Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Georgia O’Keeffe painted asters, and Robert Frost wrote poems that mentioned the flower.
The Secondary September Bloom: Morning Glories
While asters are the official birth flower for September, the spunky morning glory also lays claim to the month. These trumpet-shaped flowers open in the morning and close up by the afternoon, a fleeting beauty that lends them a lot of symbolism.
Morning Glory Symbolism and Meaning
Because they only bloom for a short time, morning glories often represent the temporary nature of life. But they also symbolize love that won’t die, even if it’s not returned. The color of the morning glory can also add to its meaning. Blue morning glories represent calmness and tranquility.
In some cultures, morning glories have great spiritual significance, often playing a part in rituals.
Morning Glory Varieties and Characteristics
Morning glories are known for their trumpet shape and the way they unfurl in the morning light. They come in a range of colors, including blue, purple, pink, red, and white. Some popular varieties include:
- ‘Heavenly Blue’: A classic variety known for its vibrant blue flowers.
- ‘Grandpa Ott’s’: Features deep purple flowers and is known for its vigorous growth.
- ‘Moonflower’: Opens its white flowers in the evening rather than the morning.
Morning Glory History and Trivia
Historically, morning glories have been used for a variety of purposes. They’re often grown as ornamental plants, adding a splash of color to gardens and fences. Some cultures have also used them medicinally, for their anti-inflammatory and healing properties. And, as mentioned above, they’ve played a role in spiritual practices.
Here’s a bit of trivia: The seeds of some morning glory varieties contain a naturally occurring psychedelic compound. While they have been used for spiritual purposes, it’s important to note that ingesting them can be dangerous and is not recommended.
Beyond the Blooms: The Language of Flowers
Did you know that flowers have their own language? In the Victorian era, people used flowers to communicate messages and emotions that they couldn’t express openly. This practice, called floriography, assigned specific meanings to different flowers and colors.
Understanding floriography can add a deeper layer of meaning to your floral gifts. For example, red roses symbolize love and passion, while white lilies represent purity and innocence. Yellow flowers often signify friendship, while purple flowers can represent admiration or royalty. Even the way you arrange the flowers can convey a message!
Knowing the language of flowers can help you create a more meaningful birthday bouquet. Instead of just picking flowers that look pretty, you can choose blooms that express your feelings and wishes for the recipient. This personal touch can make your gift even more special and memorable. So, next time you’re giving flowers, consider the message you want to send and let the flowers do the talking!
Creating the perfect September birthday bouquet
Asters and morning glories are the traditional flowers associated with September birthdays, but that doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to those two varieties when you’re creating a bouquet. Here’s how to put together an arrangement that’s as unique as the person who’s receiving it.
Choosing asters and morning glories for bouquets
Asters come in a wide array of colors and sizes, from delicate, daisy-like blossoms to larger, showier blooms. Morning glories, with their heart-shaped leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers, add a touch of whimsy and vertical interest to any arrangement.
When combining these two flowers, think about using complementary colors, such as purple asters with white morning glories, or contrasting textures, such as the smooth petals of morning glories against the feathery foliage of asters.
Incorporating other seasonal flowers
September offers a wealth of other beautiful blooms that can be added to your bouquet. Sunflowers, with their bright yellow petals, bring a cheerful touch, while zinnias offer a rainbow of colors and shapes. Chrysanthemums, also known as mums, are another popular choice, with their long-lasting blooms and diverse forms.
When selecting additional flowers, consider how they will complement the asters and morning glories in terms of color, shape, and texture. For example, you might pair the delicate asters with the bolder sunflowers or the trumpet-shaped morning glories with the pom-pom-like mums.
Considering the recipient’s preferences
Ultimately, the best bouquet is one that reflects the recipient’s personal tastes. Take into account their favorite colors, scents, and flower types. Do they prefer bright and bold arrangements or more subtle and understated ones? Do they have any allergies or sensitivities to certain flowers or scents?
By personalizing the bouquet to match the recipient’s personality and style, you can create a gift that is truly meaningful and memorable.
In Summary
If you’re shopping for a September birthday, you have two lovely choices for birth flowers: asters and morning glories. Asters, with their star-like shape and wide range of colors, symbolize love, wisdom, and faith. Morning glories, known for their vibrant hues and habit of opening in the morning, represent affection and unrequited love. Both flowers have a rich history and come in many varieties, making them versatile choices for any bouquet.
Understanding flower symbolism can add a personal and meaningful touch to any gift. While any flowers are a kind gesture, choosing the right blooms based on their symbolism shows that you’ve put extra thought and care into your gift.
So, this September, use your newfound knowledge to create beautiful and meaningful birthday bouquets with asters, morning glories, or a combination of both!