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Climbing Carolina aster

Ampelaster carolinianus

am-pel-ASS-ter kare-oh-lin-ee-AY-nus

This perennial vine sends out abundant pale purple to lavender flowers beginning in late October. It grows to 4 to 5 feet tall, and frost does not seem to impede the blooms. It can attract bees and butterflies well into November.

To get the best flower display, give climbing aster as much sun as possible. It should also have something to lean on, like a fence, a trellis, or an ornamental shrub. Don't prune it over the winter, no matter how dead it may look. It’s better to wait to tidy up things after the new growth appears in spring.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsSmells wonderful.

CareGrow in well-cultivated, fertile, moist soil in sun or partial shade.

PropagationMost asters require frequent division.

ProblemsAsters are sometimes plagued by fungal diseases. The most common are wilt disease, powdery mildew, and botrytis.

  • Genus : Aster
  • Plant Height : 10 to 15 feet
  • Zones : 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Bloom Time : Fall
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Fall Interest
  • Characteristics : Fragrant Flowers
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Flower Color : Pink

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