Ampelaster carolinianus (Climbing Aster)
Pleasantly fragrant, Ampelaster carolinianus (Climbing Aster) is a climbing, deciduous perennial boasting a profusion of showy daisy-like flowers, 1-3 in. wide (2-7 cm), with pale lavender to pink rays surrounding sunny yellow centers. Blooming for weeks from late summer until frost, the blossoms are borne on slender woody stems bearing narrowly oval, dark green leaves.
Pleasantly fragrant, Ampelaster carolinianus (Climbing Aster) is a climbing, deciduous perennial boasting a profusion of showy daisy-like flowers, 1-3 in. wide (2-7 cm), with pale lavender to pink rays surrounding sunny yellow centers. Blooming for weeks from late summer until frost, the blossoms are borne on slender woody stems bearing narrowly oval, dark green leaves. They are visited by a variety of pollinating insects, including bees and butterflies. Songbirds and small mammals eat the seeds. Native to the southeastern United States, Climbing Aster makes a substantial statement in the late season garden. Its sprawling or climbing habit make it best for an informal or naturalized setting. Great for a fence, arbor or trellis too!
- Grows up to 6-12 ft. tall (180-360 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm).
- Thrives in full sun to part shade in average, moist, well-drained soils. It will tolerate seasonal flooding. Provide good air circulation to avoid foliage diseases such as powdery mildew.
- Vital ingredient of late summer and fall coastal gardens, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens. Good for banks and slopes.
- May be affected by wilt disease, powdery mildew, and botrytis. Deer resistant.
- Propagate by seed, root cutting, stem cutting or division.
- Native to Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 7 – 10 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Climbers, Perennials |
| Plant Family | Aster |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Late)Fall |
| Height | 6' – 12' (180cm – 3.6m) |
| Spread | 3' – 6' (90cm – 180cm) |
| Spacing | 36″ – 72″ (90cm – 180cm) |
| Water Needs | Low, Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina |
| Tolerance | Deer, Wet Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Banks and Slopes, Walls and Fences |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |