September Gift Flower: Asters

Purple asters add color when there is not much blooming at Bluebird Gardens.

September Gift Flower: Asters

I can't get enough asters in my fall garden. The bluish-purple, daisy-like flowers add a pop of color when little else is in bloom and are very easy to grow. They also look like tiny daisies, one of my favorite all-time flowers.

This easy perennial grows in sun or partial shade.

I have both a domestic and wild variety. Aster plants height ranges from 8 inches to 8 feet, depending on the type. I trim some of mine mid-summer so they don't get too tall. They are better bushy, that encourages more flowers.

Asters work well in borders, rock gardens, and wildflower gardens. They are good pollen sources for butterflies and bees.

Close-up of a purple aster in bloom at Bluebird Gardens.

Asters are also the gift flower for September. In the Language of Flowers, asters represent variety and spontaneous impulse. Of all of the monthly gift flowers, this one has the most interesting folklore. According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, asters are good for chasing off serpents!

Another benefit, finding asters on sale!

This year, I found several aster plants on sale and added them to a new flower bed. I cut off the flowers to encourage more growth and made sure they were mulched. What's better than a September gift flower? It's one on sale!

Asters are wonderful cut flowers, too!

Charlotte