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Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Birthday Flowers: Aster

The birth flowers for September are asters and morning glories. I'm focusing on asters, for their star-like form and multitude of species (around 23,000 of them). The colors range from white, to yellow, to shades of pink, red, and purple. Plants produce an abundance of daisy-like flowers with a central disk (frequently yellow). Asters symbolize love, wisdom, faith and patience, and are often associated with the wonder and enchantment of the stars.


Asteraceae Poster
(by Alvesgaspar and Tony Wills - own work, CC BY-SA 3.0)

Petal color can convey more specific meaning to the recipient of your aster bouquet:

  • White - purity, innocence, and new beginnings
  • Yellow (China) - happiness and good fortune
  • Pink - love and sensitivity
  • Red - undying devotion
  • Purple - spirituality, wisdom, and royalty


White asters to signal a new beginning 


Asters (Asteraceae) grow from 1 - 6 feet tall, depending on the species, and have lance-shaped linear leaves that are usually arranged in an alternate pattern. They typically bloom in late summer and early fall, at a time when many flowers are spent. They prefer full sun and well draining soil. Their history dates back to ancient times, and they have been enjoyed for their beauty and appreciated for their medicinal properties to treat coughs, colds, digestive issues, and muscle aches. The simple beauty of asters is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face, including your own.


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