Everyone knows that they have a specific birthstone that is placed in jewelry and trinkets to signify the month they were born in. However, many people don't know that just like the stones, each month has a flower or two as well, which symbolizes birth. Here is the history and meaning behind September's birth flower, the aster.  Asters are symbols of powerful love.  The aster's name comes from Ancient Great (aster), or "star", referring to the shape of the flower head.  Asters are popular as garden plants because of their showy petals and flowers.  The aster is unique for its delicate purple flower color as it suggests a spiritually high level of expression.  Since the Aster is known for its well defined physical structure and strong integrative features the aster symbolizes strength, immunity, and integration.  Asters begin growing in the summer and continue growing through the fall months.  For optimum growth, Asters should be transplanted and divided at the root every year.  This should be done in early spring, keeping the root wet the day before and after dividing it.  It will also help rejuvenate the plant, help with size control and give you more of them to add to your garden.  Aster's grow best in rich wet soil, and can be grown either in direct sunlight or in the shade.  Interesting Aster facts:  Legend has it that burning the Aster leaves will keep away snakes.  And, according to French tradition, it is said that placing the flower on the grave of a dead soldier is a tribute to his bravery.

 

If the Aster is not your favorite flower, you may prefer the alternate September birth flower, the morning glory.  Morning glories are simple symbols of affection.  The morning glory blooms in the morning hours.  By the time the sun falls, the flowers die.  Each morning gives birth to a brand new flower on the plant.  Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other daytime insects pollinate the flowers because of the early morning bloom.  Some morning glory seeds possess hallucinogenic qualities prompting many cultivars to soak the seeds in a chemical solution that cannot be washed off in order  to discourage growing for the beautiful bloom for specifically for drugs.  These chemicals cause sickness and vomiting if ingested.  Interesting Morning Glory Facts:  In Japan, the morning Glory is know as 'asa kao' or 'morning face'.  In China, it has been used for medicinal purposes as a powerful laxative, and sometimes it is used as a popular decorative flower.  It usual grows next to walls as it will grow as a vine, blocking out some of the heat an lowering air conditioning bills in the summer. 

 

Although Blooms does not use these flowers in fresh arrangements, we love them.  And, if you were born in September, you now know your birth flowers.