September Birth Flower: The Aster

Every month we are asking if you know about your birth flower, and this month we're talking about the Aster!

The idea that birth flowers, such as the aster, have meanings was introduced in the early 18th century by members of the literary community. So each month was assigned a flower. And it was thought that the characteristics of those would be inherited by those born in that month.

September Birth Flower

In the past, the name Aster encompassed over 600 species of flower! But as science has evolved and research has become more and more detailed, the name is now attributed to less than 180 species.

Similar to a daisy, aster actually comes from the Greek for star. Which refers to the shape of the flower's petals. It is a popular choice for babies born in September thanks to it being the official birth flower for the month.

What's in a name?

Aster is a unisex name that has been in regular use for several centuries. However in the past few years it has seen a massive rise in popularity.

Cultural significance of the September Birth Flower

As a hardy perennial flower, the aster is one of the few summer flowers that still blooms in late September.

Due to the abundance of aster flowers at this time, they are celebrated during Michaelmas on the 29th September. Known as the Feast of St. Michael, Michaelmas is a Christian festival and is seen as the official start of Autumn. Their ability to thrive in late summer may also be why it was chosen as the September birth flower in the first place.

The Michaelmas daisies, among dead weeds, Bloom for St Michael's valorous deeds ...

Miniature frame of the aster. The birth flower for September

How to grow Asters

Asters are one of the easiest flowers to cultivate in the garden. They love a well draining damp soil and at least a little bit of sun. Most asters are hardy perennials, which means that once you've planted them they'll give you years of joy in your flower beds!

And thanks to their vigorous growth and huge variety in colours and sizes, asters are a great flower for bouquets. So if you've got a birthday this month, choose a natural bouquet of the September birth flower such as this one from Flower Box in London.

For the ultimate tips to growing asters check out the RHS guide here.