Order Now · Ships Spring 2026
Ampelaster carolinianus (climbing aster)
Ampelaster carolinianus (climbing aster)
📦 Shipping is charged at real carrier rates.We don’t mark up shipping—costs reflect distance from our nursery and careful plant packing.
🌱 6-plant minimum per order — mix & match any varieties
📦 Ships in a 2⅜” square x 3¾” deep band pot — well-rooted & ready to plant
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Climbing aster is a unique native perennial vine from the southeastern United States, notable for its twining habit—unusual among asters. Rather than forming a typical clump, it climbs gently when given support, weaving itself through trellises, fences, or neighboring plants.
In late autumn, just as most gardens are winding down, climbing aster comes into bloom. Masses of soft purple flowers open along the stems, often making it the very last plant flowering in the garden. This late-season display is especially valuable for pollinators preparing for winter.
Despite its vine-like growth, climbing aster has a refined, non-aggressive habit and works beautifully in naturalistic plantings, pollinator gardens, and mixed borders where vertical interest is welcome.
WHY GARDENERS LOVE IT
- Rare climbing habit for an aster
- Native to the southeastern U.S.
- Late fall blooms when little else is flowering
- Soft purple flowers
- Excellent late-season pollinator plant
- Adds vertical interest without heaviness
HOW IT GROWS
- Plant type: Woody perennial vine
- Sun: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Water: Regular
- Hardiness: USDA Zones 7–9
- Growth habit: Twining, climbing
SIZE & BLOOM
- Height × Width: ~6–8 ft. × 2 ft.
- Flower color: Purple
- Bloom time: Late fall
- Wildlife: Bees and late-season pollinators
PLANTING TIPS
- Provide a trellis, fence, or nearby plants for support
- Plant in full sun for best flowering
- Water consistently during establishment
- Allow room for vertical growth
CARE MADE EASY
- Minimal pruning needed
- Cut back lightly in late winter if desired
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Low-maintenance once established
BEST USES
- Pollinator gardens
- Native plant gardens
- Trellises and fences
- Mixed borders with structural plants
- Late-season garden interest
HOW TO KNOW IT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
Choose Climbing Aster if you:
- Want flowers late into the fall
- Enjoy native plants with unusual habits
- Need vertical interest in a pollinator garden
- Garden in Zones 7–9
- Like plants that blend naturally with others
POT SIZE: 2⅜” square x 3¾” deep band pot
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What to Expect With Your Plants
What size plants will I receive?
Most plants ship in 2 3/8” x 3 3/4” band pots—ideal for healthy root growth.
Top growth varies by variety and season, but every plant arrives well-rooted, actively growing, and ready to plant.
Grown naturally without artificial heat or lights, our plants are hardy, adaptable, and ready to thrive in real garden conditions.
When will my plants ship?
We schedule plant orders based on your area’s average last frost date and when each plant is truly ready to ship. You’ll receive an email with your estimated ship date once your order is scheduled.
Orders ship Monday–Wednesday via UPS or USPS (2–3 day service), so your plants arrive before the weekend and spend less time in transit. Shipping begins in spring—usually mid-April—when weather and plant health align, so your plants arrive strong, well-rooted, and ready to thrive.
Do you guarantee your plants?
We stand behind our plants and our packing process. While we can't control weather or how plants are cared for after arrival, we do guarantee that your plants will arrive healthy and in good condition. If there's an issue, just reach out and we're happy to help.
Have more questions?
We want you to feel good about your plant order. Find answers about shipping, sizing, care, and guarantees in our full FAQ.