By Amanda Rose Newton
September brings a transition between summer’s heat and autumn’s cooler temperatures, and with it, two vibrant birth flowers: the Aster and the Morning Glory. These blooms symbolize change, resilience, and beauty, making them a fitting tribute for September. In this blog post, we will explore the history behind these flowers’ connection to the month and provide Florida-friendly alternatives for gardeners in warm, humid climates.
Aster: A Symbol of Love and Wisdom
A Brief History
The Aster, a star-shaped flower that derives its name from the Greek word for “star,” has long been associated with love, wisdom, and valor. The ancient Greeks believed that the Aster’s petals were magical and had the ability to ward off evil spirits. In Victorian times, Asters were often used to symbolize patience and elegance, making them a popular choice in gardens and bouquets alike.
Asters come in various colors, each carrying its own meaning. Purple Asters are often linked to royalty and wisdom, while pink Asters symbolize love and affection. This connection with deep emotional meanings has made Asters a favorite flower for September.
Florida-Friendly Aster Alternative
While Asters are typically cool-season flowers that thrive in temperate climates, there are heat-tolerant varieties suitable for Florida’s subtropical environment. The Stokes’ Aster (Stokesia laevis) is a great alternative for Florida gardeners.
This native species is not only heat-tolerant but also attracts pollinators like butterflies and bees, adding biodiversity to your garden.
Growing Tips for Stokes’ Aster:
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained, sandy soil
Water: Drought-tolerant once established, though regular watering during dry spells is beneficial
Bloom Time: Spring through late summer, with purple-blue flowers similar to traditional Asters
Care: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering. This plant is also relatively pest-resistant, making it low-maintenance.
Morning Glory: A Symbol of Affection and New Beginnings
A Brief History
Morning Glories, known for their vivid colors and trumpet-shaped flowers, bloom in the early hours of the day, symbolizing the beauty of a new beginning. In Victorian floral language, they were often gifted to express deep affection and longing. The rapid growth and ephemeral nature of the blooms, which last only a day, reflect themes of love, fleeting beauty, and renewal.
Morning Glories were brought to Europe from the tropical regions of the Americas and Asia and quickly became a garden favorite. Their fast-growing vines and colorful blossoms make them a popular choice for vertical gardening, trellises, and fences.
Florida-Friendly Morning Glory Alternative
While many species of Morning Glory can be invasive in Florida’s warm climate, the Beach Morning Glory (Ipomoea imperati) is a native alternative that thrives in sandy, coastal soils and is a perfect addition to Florida landscapes.
This species provides the beauty of traditional Morning Glories without the threat of becoming invasive.
Growing Tips for Beach Morning Glory:
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
Water: Drought-tolerant, but grows best with occasional watering
Bloom Time: Summer through fall, with white flowers accented by yellow centers
Care: This is a low-maintenance plant that spreads quickly, making it excellent for ground cover. However, it’s best used in contained areas to prevent overgrowth.
The Significance of September’s Flowers
Asters and Morning Glories are a fitting tribute to September, a month of transition and balance. Both flowers thrive in varying conditions, with Asters representing patience and wisdom, and Morning Glories symbolizing new beginnings and affection. These meanings align perfectly with the shifting seasons, reminding us to embrace change with grace and resilience.
For Florida gardeners, the key to enjoying the beauty of these birth flowers lies in choosing native or well-adapted alternatives that can withstand the state’s unique climate challenges. Stokes’ Aster and Beach Morning Glory offer the charm and symbolism of their traditional counterparts while thriving in the Florida landscape.
Whether you’re planting in honor of a September birthday or simply looking to add color to your garden, these flowers bring beauty, history, and meaning to any space.
