Frequently Asked Questions About September Birth Flowers
September birth flowers carry rich symbolism and practical growing considerations that many people want to understand better. Whether you're planning a garden, choosing a meaningful gift, or designing a tattoo, these questions and answers provide detailed information about asters, morning glories, and other flowers associated with September birthdays.
The information below covers everything from botanical facts and care requirements to cultural meanings and design ideas. We've compiled answers based on horticultural research, traditional flower symbolism, and practical gardening experience to help you make informed decisions about September flowers.
What flowers bloom in September?
Popular September flowers include asters, chrysanthemums, dahlias, marigolds, and sunflowers. These late-season blooms provide vibrant colors as summer transitions to fall. Asters are the traditional September birth flower and peak during this month across most of North America. Chrysanthemums, often called mums, begin their spectacular fall display in September with flowers lasting through November. Dahlias reach their peak performance in September after building strength throughout summer, producing dinner-plate sized blooms in nearly every color except blue. Sedum and ornamental grasses also shine in September gardens, providing texture and structure. Native wildflowers like goldenrod and ironweed bloom prolifically during September in meadows and prairies. For more detailed information about fall-blooming plants, our main September birth flower guide provides comprehensive growing tips.
What is the birth flower for September?
The aster is the traditional birth flower for September, symbolizing love, wisdom, and faith. Morning glory is also considered an alternative September birth flower, representing affection and the fleeting nature of life. These two flowers were assigned to September through Victorian-era flower language traditions that gained popularity in the 1800s. The aster's star-shaped blooms align with the transition from Virgo to Libra during September, making it meaningful for both zodiac signs. Different colored asters carry specific meanings: purple represents wisdom and royalty, pink symbolizes love and sensitivity, white denotes purity, and red signifies undying devotion. Morning glories open at dawn and close by afternoon, creating a daily cycle that symbolizes renewal and the precious nature of each moment. Both flowers bloom naturally during September across temperate climates, making them seasonally appropriate choices. You can learn more about the specific connections between these flowers and Virgo or Libra birthdays on our about page.
How do I care for September flowering plants?
Water September flowers regularly but avoid overwatering, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering. Most benefit from cooler temperatures and may need protection from early frost. Asters require about 1 inch of water per week through rainfall or irrigation, while morning glories tolerate drier conditions once established. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature as nights grow cooler. Fertilize asters monthly with a balanced fertilizer until buds form, then stop to prevent excessive foliage at the expense of flowers. Monitor for powdery mildew on asters during humid September weather and improve air circulation by thinning crowded plants. Stake tall aster varieties before they reach full height to prevent wind damage and flopping. For morning glories, ensure they have adequate support structures and remove spent blooms if you want to prevent aggressive self-seeding. As September progresses toward October, watch weather forecasts for frost warnings and cover tender plants with sheets or row covers on cold nights. Many September perennials like asters will survive frost and continue blooming, but annuals including morning glories will die with the first hard freeze.
Can I plant flowers in September?
Yes, September is an excellent time to plant fall-blooming flowers and spring bulbs in most climates. Cool-season annuals like pansies and ornamental kale also thrive when planted in early fall. The cooler temperatures and typically increased rainfall in September create ideal conditions for root establishment without the stress of summer heat. Plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses in September through November, giving them time to develop roots before winter dormancy. Perennials planted in September have several weeks to establish before winter, often performing better than spring-planted specimens because they experience less transplant shock. In USDA zones 7 and warmer, September is perfect for planting cool-season vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and kale alongside ornamental flowers. Container-grown asters, mums, and sedums transplant successfully in September and provide immediate color. Avoid planting frost-tender annuals or tropical plants in September, as they won't have time to establish before cold weather arrives. Water all new plantings thoroughly and maintain consistent moisture for the first 4-6 weeks while roots develop. September planting gives you a head start on the following year's garden while extending the current season's beauty.
What colors are popular for September flower arrangements?
September flower arrangements typically feature warm autumn colors like deep purples, golden yellows, rich oranges, and burgundy reds. These colors complement the changing season and create stunning fall displays. Purple and blue asters form the foundation of many September bouquets, representing the traditional birth flower while adding texture with their star-shaped petals. Pair asters with golden rudbeckia (black-eyed Susans) or yellow solidago (goldenrod) for classic fall contrast that mimics natural meadow combinations. Burgundy and rust-colored chrysanthemums add depth and richness to September arrangements, especially when combined with orange marigolds or dahlias. White asters and cream-colored flowers provide brightness and prevent arrangements from becoming too dark or heavy. Incorporate seasonal elements like wheat stalks, ornamental grasses, or colorful fall leaves to enhance the autumnal feeling. For September birthday bouquets, focus on the recipient's astrological sign: Virgos appreciate understated elegance with soft purples and whites, while Libras enjoy balanced compositions with harmonious color combinations. September wedding flowers often feature burgundy dahlias, purple asters, and gold accents that photograph beautifully and align with harvest season aesthetics. The color palette shifts as September progresses, starting with late-summer brights early in the month and transitioning to deeper, earthier tones by month's end.
Are asters and morning glories difficult to grow?
Asters are generally easy to grow and low-maintenance once established, thriving in zones 3-8 with minimal care. Morning glories are also simple to cultivate but can become invasive in warm climates due to aggressive self-seeding. Asters tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, though they perform best in well-draining soil with moderate fertility. The main challenge with asters is preventing powdery mildew in humid climates; choose resistant varieties like 'Purple Dome' or provide adequate spacing for air circulation. Native aster species are particularly tough and require almost no maintenance once established in appropriate conditions. Morning glories germinate readily from seed and grow rapidly, making them ideal for beginner gardeners or children's gardens. The primary concern with morning glories is their tendency to spread aggressively; in states like Arizona and parts of the Southeast, some species are classified as noxious weeds. To prevent unwanted spreading, deadhead morning glories before seeds mature or choose sterile cultivars. Both flowers resist deer browsing, making them excellent choices for rural gardens. Asters may need division every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding. Neither flower requires special winter protection in their appropriate hardiness zones, though container-grown plants benefit from mulching or moving to sheltered locations.
What is the meaning behind September 17th birth flowers?
September 17th birth flowers are the aster and morning glory, sharing the same symbolism as all September birthdays: wisdom, love, faith, and the appreciation of life's fleeting moments. People born on September 17th fall under the Virgo zodiac sign, which ends on September 22nd, making the aster particularly meaningful for their personality traits. The aster's association with wisdom aligns with Virgo's analytical nature and intellectual approach to life. Virgos born on September 17th often exhibit the helpful, service-oriented qualities that mirror the aster's role in supporting pollinators and beneficial insects in garden ecosystems. The number 17 itself carries significance in numerology, reducing to 8 (1+7), which represents abundance, power, and material success—qualities that complement the aster's symbolism of achievement through wisdom. In some cultural traditions, the specific day of birth within a month refines the flower's meaning; September 17th falls in the third decan of Virgo, emphasizing communication and mental agility. Morning glories add the dimension of renewal and new beginnings to September 17th birthdays, suggesting that those born on this date value fresh starts and daily opportunities for growth. Gift-givers choosing flowers for September 17th birthdays should consider purple asters to honor wisdom or pink asters to express love and appreciation for the recipient's caring nature.
How long do asters and morning glories bloom?
Asters typically bloom for 6-8 weeks from late August through October, with peak flowering occurring in September. Individual aster flowers last 7-10 days on the plant before fading. Morning glories bloom continuously from midsummer through the first frost, with each individual flower opening at dawn and closing by early afternoon, lasting just one day. The extended blooming period of both flowers makes them valuable for maintaining garden color as summer transitions to fall. Early-blooming aster varieties like 'Woods Pink' start flowering in late July, while late varieties such as 'Raydon's Favorite' continue into November in mild climates. Deadheading spent aster blooms encourages the plant to produce more flowers and extends the overall blooming period by 2-3 weeks. Morning glories produce flowers prolifically throughout their season, with mature vines generating dozens of new blooms daily during peak season. In frost-free climates like southern California and Florida, morning glories can bloom year-round, though they perform best during cooler months. The blooming period for both flowers is influenced by temperature, day length, and growing conditions. Asters require increasingly shorter days to trigger flowering, which is why they naturally bloom in fall. To maximize bloom time, plant early, mid, and late-season aster varieties for continuous color from August through November. Morning glories bloom most abundantly when temperatures range between 65-85°F and when they receive full sun exposure.
September Birth Flower Symbolism by Color
| Flower | Color | Primary Meaning | Secondary Meaning | Best Occasion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aster | Purple | Wisdom and royalty | Spiritual awareness | Milestone birthdays, achievements |
| Aster | Pink | Love and sensitivity | Feminine grace | Romantic gestures, Mother's Day |
| Aster | White | Purity and innocence | New beginnings | Weddings, baptisms, fresh starts |
| Aster | Red | Undying devotion | Passionate love | Anniversaries, deep commitment |
| Aster | Blue | Faithfulness | Calm reflection | Sympathy, remembrance |
| Morning Glory | Purple | Affection | Morning renewal | Daily appreciation, friendship |
| Morning Glory | Blue | Trust and respect | Serenity | Professional relationships |
| Morning Glory | Pink | Gentle love | Youthful joy | New mothers, young birthdays |
| Morning Glory | White | Spirituality | Purity of intention | Religious ceremonies |
| Morning Glory | Red | Passionate devotion | Intense emotion | Romantic declarations |
Additional Resources
For research-based growing information, consult resources like the Colorado State University Extension, which provides detailed cultivation guides for asters in various climates.
The USDA Forest Service Wildflower Guide offers extensive information about native asters and their role in supporting pollinator populations across North America.
The tradition of assigning meaning to flowers dates back to Victorian flower language, which codified specific sentiments for hundreds of different blooms during the 19th century.
Learn More
Return to our home page to explore more about September birth flowers, or visit our about us page to learn more about the symbolism and history of asters and morning glories.