September Birth Flowers: Aster and Morning Glory
The Traditional September Birth Flowers
September claims two beautiful birth flowers: the aster and the morning glory. The aster, whose name derives from the Greek word for 'star,' blooms in late summer through fall with star-shaped petals in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue. This perennial flower has been cultivated for over 2,000 years and represents approximately 180 species within the Asteraceae family. Morning glories, members of the Convolvulaceae family with over 1,000 species, open their trumpet-shaped blooms at dawn and typically close by afternoon, symbolizing the fleeting nature of life and affection.
The aster became associated with September births through Victorian floriography, the language of flowers that assigned specific meanings to different blooms. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, asters were believed to be created from stardust when Virgo looked down from the heavens and wept. Morning glories earned their place as a September flower due to their peak blooming period in late summer and early fall across North America. Both flowers align perfectly with the astrological signs of Virgo (August 23 - September 22) and Libra (September 23 - October 22), making them meaningful gifts for anyone born during this transitional month.
People born on specific September dates often seek flowers connected to their exact birthday. Those born on September 1st, September 17th, or September 27th all share the aster and morning glory as their birth flowers. The symbolism remains consistent throughout the month, though some traditions assign slight variations in meaning based on the flower's color. Purple asters represent wisdom and royalty, pink asters symbolize sensitivity and love, while white asters denote purity and innocence. These meanings make asters particularly appropriate for Virgo individuals, known for their analytical minds and pure intentions.
| Feature | Aster | Morning Glory |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Family | Asteraceae | Convolvulaceae |
| Number of Species | 180+ | 1,000+ |
| Bloom Time | Late summer to fall | Summer to early fall |
| Flower Lifespan | Several days | Single day (dawn to afternoon) |
| Height Range | 6 inches to 8 feet | 6 to 15 feet (vine) |
| Primary Colors | Purple, pink, white, blue | Purple, blue, pink, white, red |
| Hardiness Zones | 3-8 (most varieties) | 3-10 |
| Symbolism | Love, wisdom, faith | Affection, mortality, fleeting beauty |
Virgo and Libra Birth Flower Connections
The Virgo birth flower, primarily the aster, perfectly reflects the characteristics of those born under this earth sign. Virgos, born between August 23 and September 22, are known for their attention to detail, analytical thinking, and modest demeanor. The aster's star-like shape represents the Virgo's quest for perfection and their ability to shine through careful preparation. According to research from the National Garden Bureau, asters attract beneficial pollinators like butterflies and bees, mirroring the Virgo's helpful and service-oriented nature. The flower's late-season blooming also represents patience and timing, two qualities strongly associated with Virgo individuals.
For Libras born between September 23 and October 22, both the aster and morning glory hold significance, though some sources also connect them to October's birth flowers. The Libra birth flower connection to asters emphasizes balance and harmony, as these flowers often grow in perfectly symmetrical patterns. Morning glories, with their daily cycle of opening and closing, represent the Libra's search for equilibrium between opposing forces. The American Horticultural Society notes that morning glories thrive in balanced conditions—not too much shade, not too much sun—which parallels the Libra's need for moderation in all aspects of life.
The transition between Virgo and Libra within September creates interesting dynamics for birth flower symbolism. Those born in early September (September 1st through September 22nd) fall under Virgo's influence, while late September birthdays (September 23rd onward) belong to Libra. A person born on September 17th, for instance, would be a Virgo with the aster as their primary birth flower, embodying wisdom and faith. Meanwhile, someone celebrating a September 27th birthday would be a Libra, and while they share the same birth flowers, the interpretation leans toward balance and beauty rather than purity and devotion.
September Birth Flower Tattoo Designs and Meanings
Birth flower tattoos have surged in popularity since 2018, with Google Trends data showing a 340% increase in searches for 'birth flower tattoo' between 2018 and 2023. September birth flower tattoos featuring asters and morning glories offer versatile design options. Aster tattoos work beautifully as delicate, minimalist single stems or elaborate full-color arrangements. The star-shaped petals translate well to various tattoo styles, from fine-line black ink to vibrant watercolor techniques. Morning glory tattoos often incorporate the vine element, allowing the design to wrap around arms, legs, or shoulders in flowing, organic patterns.
Combination birth flower tattoos have become particularly meaningful for commemorating relationships and family bonds. A July and September birth flower tattoo pairs the larkspur or water lily (July's flowers) with the aster or morning glory, creating a design that honors two people born in different months. Similarly, a January and September birth flower tattoo combines the carnation or snowdrop with asters or morning glories. These dual-flower designs typically cost between $200 and $800 depending on size, detail, and artist experience, according to tattoo industry surveys from 2023. The placement options vary widely: ribcage pieces allow for larger, more detailed work, while wrist or ankle tattoos suit simpler, smaller designs.
When planning a September and July birth flower tattoo or a January and September birth flower tattoo, consider how the flowers' natural characteristics complement each other. Larkspurs and asters both have vertical growth patterns, making them ideal for forearm or spine placements. Carnations and morning glories can intertwine naturally, with the morning glory vines wrapping around carnation blooms. Professional tattoo artists recommend bringing reference photos from botanical sources like the Smithsonian Gardens or the Missouri Botanical Garden to ensure accurate flower representation. The symbolism deepens when you understand that July represents joy and positivity while September represents wisdom and love, creating a meaningful narrative in the combined design.
| Combination | Flowers Paired | Common Symbolism | Average Size | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September Only | Aster + Morning Glory | Wisdom, fleeting beauty, faith | 2-4 inches | $150-$400 |
| July & September | Larkspur/Water Lily + Aster | Joy, wisdom, positivity | 4-6 inches | $300-$600 |
| January & September | Carnation/Snowdrop + Aster | Devotion, hope, love | 3-5 inches | $250-$500 |
| September & October | Aster + Marigold/Cosmos | Wisdom, passion, balance | 4-7 inches | $350-$700 |
| Family Bouquet | Multiple birth flowers | Family unity, connection | 6-10 inches | $500-$1,200 |
Growing and Caring for September Flowers
Successfully growing asters requires understanding their native habitat and growth requirements. Native American asters grow wild across North America, from Canada to Mexico, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 8. Plant asters in spring after the last frost or in early fall, spacing them 12 to 24 inches apart depending on the variety. New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) can reach 6 feet tall, while alpine asters (Aster alpinus) stay compact at 6 to 12 inches. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, asters prefer full sun (6+ hours daily) and well-draining soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.5. Water newly planted asters regularly until established, then reduce to weekly watering during dry periods.
Morning glories present different cultivation challenges due to their vigorous growth and reseeding habits. These annual vines can grow 10 to 15 feet in a single season, requiring sturdy trellises, fences, or arbors for support. The Cornell Cooperative Extension recommends scarifying morning glory seeds by nicking the hard seed coat with a file or soaking them in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last spring frost, as morning glories dislike transplanting. They tolerate poor soil but bloom most profusely in moderately fertile ground. Be aware that in some southern states, certain morning glory species are considered invasive; check your local extension office before planting.
Maintaining September flowers through their blooming period requires consistent care and attention to seasonal changes. Deadhead spent aster blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering through October and sometimes into November. Pinch back aster stems in early June to promote bushier growth and prevent flopping, a technique recommended by the Chicago Botanic Garden. Morning glories need minimal maintenance once established but benefit from monthly fertilization with a balanced 10-10-10 formula. Watch for common pests like aphids on asters and Japanese beetles on morning glories. As temperatures drop in late September and October, protect tender plants from early frost with row covers or by moving container plants to sheltered locations. Both flowers self-seed readily, so allow some blooms to go to seed if you want volunteers the following year.
| Month | Asters | Morning Glories |
|---|---|---|
| March-April | Plant bare-root or potted plants | Prepare soil, plan trellis placement |
| May | Water regularly, apply mulch | Direct sow seeds after last frost |
| June | Pinch back stems for bushier growth | Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart |
| July | Monitor for powdery mildew | Train vines onto support structures |
| August | Begin deadheading spent blooms | Enjoy peak blooming period |
| September | Peak blooming, continue deadheading | Blooms continue, collect seeds |
| October | Allow some seed heads to remain | First frost kills plants, save seeds |
| November | Cut back after hard frost | Clean up dead vines, compost |