Feature Flower Aster - from Garden of Eden Flower Shop

The aster is the September birth flower. Part of the daisy family, it is a composite flower, which means  that it is made of a central core of tiny flowerheads surrounded by long petals. The aster is a wildflower with more than 600 species, with colors ranging from white to red, yellow, pink, purple, and orange. However, the aster is known best for its striking bluish-purple color. This September flower is also one of the most colorful flowers of fall.

According to the ancient Greeks, the aster flower came to be when the Greek god,
Astraea, was saddened by how few stars were in the sky. One night, she was so upset that she began to cry. As the tears streamed down her face and hit the ground, they turned into beautiful star-shaped aster flowers. In Greek, aster means “star.”

As the September birth flower, asters are known to symbolize wisdom, valor and faith. Different aster colors can also carry different meanings:

Purple asters symbolize wisdom and royalty. Historically, within European and Roman civilizations, members of the royal family wore purple to signify their nobility. Children born during a ruler’s reign were said to be “born under/into the purple”. Purple asters are the most popular color.

White asters symbolize purity and innocence, as well as new beginnings.

Red and pink asters symbolize undying devotion.

Two of the most popular true asters are Matsumoto asters, which are a compact,
yellow-centered pom pom, and Montecasino asters, a many-flowered spike of tiny
daisies that is commonly seen along roadways and in meadowland. Both are cultivated for florists in a larger, hardy version, but asters can be found in their wild form pretty much anywhere! If you see any in your wanderings, grab some for a happy, long-lasting vased arrangement that can be at home in an elegant glass vase or a humble little Mason jar. Whatever they’re put in, they brighten and cheer up any space!

Happy birthday, September babies!