September feels like a bit of a bridge. It’s that weird, beautiful middle ground where the frantic heat of summer finally starts to give up, but the frost hasn't quite arrived to kill everything off. If you were born in this transition month, you don't just have one plant representing you. You actually have two. Most people will tell you it's the Aster. They’re right, mostly. But if you dig a little deeper into the Victorian language of flowers—the "floriography" that people obsessed over back in the day—you’ll find that the Morning Glory holds just as much weight.
Choosing between them is a vibe check. Do you want the hardy, star-shaped perennial that sticks it out through the first chill? Or are you more like the vine that blooms spectacularly at sunrise and vanishes by lunch?
The Aster: September’s Toughest Star
Honestly, the Aster is a bit of a workhorse. The name comes from the Greek word for "star," which makes sense the moment you look at the petals radiating out from that yellow center. According to Greek mythology, these flowers were created from the tears of Astraea, the goddess of innocence. She looked down at the dark earth, saw no stars, and started crying. Where her tears hit the soil, Asters bloomed. It’s a heavy backstory for a flower that basically looks like a wild daisy, but it explains why they’ve been symbols of patience and daintiness for centuries.
There are over 180 species of these things. Some are tiny and white, like the 'Monte Cassino' you see stuffed into grocery store bouquets as filler. Others, like the New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), are these massive, bushy perennials that turn a shocking shade of purple right when every other flower in your garden is turning brown. That’s the real reason it's the september birth flower. It waits. It doesn't compete with the lilies of July or the roses of June. It peaks when the light gets golden and the air gets crisp.
Farmers used to call them "Michaelmas Daisies" because they usually bloom around the Feast of St. Michael on September 29th. In the 1800s, people actually burned Aster leaves to ward off evil spirits or drive away "serpents." Whether or not it actually worked on snakes is debatable, but it definitely cemented the flower’s reputation as a protector.
Why the Morning Glory Shares the Spotlight
Then we have the Morning Glory. If the Aster is about endurance, the Morning Glory is about the beauty of the moment. It’s a bit of a rebel. It’s a vine. It climbs. It chokes out fences.
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Morning Glories are technically part of the Convolvulaceae family. They have this incredible trumpet shape that unfurls as the sun hits it. By the time you’re heading out for an early dinner, the flower has already curled back up and died. That’s it. One day of glory. Because of this, they represent unrequited love or the "mortality of life" in various cultures.
In Chinese folklore, the Morning Glory represents a single day of meeting for two lovers, Chien Niu and Chih Nu, who were separated by the gods and only allowed to see each other once a year. It’s poetic, if a little depressing. But for a September baby, it adds a layer of depth. If you’re a September person who lives for the "now" and doesn't worry too much about tomorrow, the Morning Glory is probably your true spirit flower.
Color Theory and What Your September Flower Says About You
Color matters. It’s not just "purple."
If you’re looking at Asters, the colors change the "message" you’re sending.
- Purple Asters are the most common and symbolize royalty and wisdom.
- White ones represent purity or a "new beginning."
- Pink Asters are all about sensitive love and devotion.
Morning Glories follow a similar path. The 'Heavenly Blue' variety is arguably the most famous. That piercing, electric blue is rare in the plant world. It’s supposed to represent peace and spirituality. If you find a red Morning Glory—which is rarer—it’s usually associated with a strong heart or even a bit of aggression.
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The Science of Why They Bloom Now
Most flowers are "long-day" plants. They need the long stretches of summer sun to trigger their blooming cycle. Asters are "short-day" plants. They’re actually triggered by the lengthening nights of late summer. As the days get shorter, the plant gets the signal that winter is coming and it’s time to reproduce.
This is a biological survival strategy. By blooming in September, they avoid the competition for pollinators like bees and butterflies that are swamped with options in June. When an Aster opens in September, it’s the only game in town. It’s a brilliant bit of evolutionary timing. If you’re a September birthday person, you might relate to that—being the person who shines brightest when things start to get a little quiet or serious.
Growing Your Own September Heritage
You don't need a massive estate to grow these. Asters are incredibly hardy. You can drop a New England Aster into almost any soil that isn't a swamp and it’ll probably thrive. They love full sun. If you want them to be bushy rather than leggy, you’ve got to do "the pinch." Around the Fourth of July, you literally just pinch off the top inch of the stems. It feels wrong, like you’re hurting the plant, but it forces it to branch out. By September, you’ll have a literal carpet of flowers.
Morning Glories are even easier, but they come with a warning: they are prolific re-seeders. You plant them once, and you will have them for the rest of your life. And probably your neighbor's life, too. The seeds have a very hard coat, so if you’re planting them, nick them with a file or soak them in water overnight. It helps the embryo break through. Once they take off, they’ll climb 10 feet in a season.
Myths and Misconceptions
People often confuse Asters with Mums (Chrysanthemums). While they’re in the same family (Asteraceae), they aren't the same. Mums are much more "perfect" and structured. Asters have a wilder, more jagged look.
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Another big one: "Morning Glories are poisonous." Yes, they are. Specifically the seeds. They contain alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. This isn't a "put it in your salad" kind of plant. Keep them away from curious puppies or toddlers who like to eat dirt.
How to Use This Knowledge
If you’re buying a gift for someone born in September, don't just grab a generic bouquet.
- Find a local nursery that carries "native" Asters. They support local bee populations much better than the hybridized versions found in big-box stores.
- If you’re getting a tattoo, the fine lines of an Aster look incredible in black and gray, whereas the Morning Glory is a prime candidate for vibrant, watercolor-style ink.
- For a birthday card, mention the "Astraea’s Tears" myth. It adds a level of thoughtfulness that "Happy Birthday" just doesn't hit.
The september birth flower isn't just a line on a calendar. It’s a choice between the steady, star-like resilience of the Aster and the fleeting, brilliant beauty of the Morning Glory. Both represent the dual nature of September—the ending of one season and the quiet, strong preparation for the next.
Check your hardiness zone before planting. Most Asters thrive in zones 3 through 8, making them nearly indestructible in most of North America. If you're in a warmer climate like zone 9 or 10, stick with the Morning Glories; they'll appreciate the heat much more than the temperate-loving Asters. For the best results with Asters, look for the 'Raydon’s Favorite' or 'October Skies' varieties—they are known for being particularly mildew-resistant, which is the only real "weakness" these flowers have during a humid September. Finally, if you're gifting these, remember that a potted Aster can be transplanted into the garden after the party is over, making it a gift that actually lasts for years rather than days.