Climbing Aster
Ampelaster carolinianus
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
Ampelaster carolinianus is a woody, scrambling, semi-evergreen vine that climbs through shrubs and over stream banks along the coastal plain of the southeastern United States, opening lavender-blue flowers in November and December when every other aster has long since finished. The climbing aster keeps a private schedule, and that contrary timing is the whole charm.
The common name describes the habit accurately enough but undersells the effect. Given something to climb, the stems can reach fifteen feet or more, the woody structure persisting through winter as no other aster manages. In late fall the display is generous and sustained, hundreds of small lavender-blue heads with yellow disc centers borne on arching stems that drape and weave through whatever the plant has found to lean against. Subtle the climbing aster is not, and few natives are still feeding bees and butterflies so close to the year's end.
Ampelaster carolinianus grows in scattered localities along the southeastern coastal plain, scrambling over shrubs at the sunny margins of streams and wetlands, a plant of edges and transitions rather than interiors. In the garden the vine wants something to climb or a structure to lean against, and repays the accommodation handsomely. Woodlanders was among the first nurseries to offer the climbing aster, which says something about both the obscurity and the merit of the plant.
Photos courtesy of Alan Cressler.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 5–9
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Moist, Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 8–10 Feet · Spread 8–10 Feet
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Seasonality
- Evergreen
Lavender-blue flower heads with yellow centers, November to December
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
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Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.