
Ampelaster carolinianus
Fresh this week. Last restocked Apr 13.
Climbing Aster (Symphyotrichum carolinianum) is a rare native Florida vine in the aster family, unique among North American asters for its scrambling, semi-woody habit that can reach 10–15 feet. It produces abundant lavender daisy-like flowers with yellow centers in fall, offering exceptional wildlife value. Starting at $9.95.
Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. May lose some foliage in cold snaps.
Climbing Aster performs best in full sun to part sun. In NE Florida, a site with at least 4–6 hours of direct sun produces the most abundant fall bloom. It tolerates dappled shade under pines but flowers less.
This native tolerates both wet and moderately dry conditions once established. Water regularly the first season; thereafter, it is well-suited to NE Florida's rainfall patterns and does not require supplemental irrigation except during extended droughts.
Adaptable to a wide range of soils — sandy, loamy, clay, moist, or periodically wet. No fertilization is needed for in-ground plantings. Provide a fence, trellis, or shrub for the scrambling stems to climb.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Shares 5 of the same needs: similar light, moderate water, loam, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Climbing Aster is a vine for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 6-12 feet × 2-5 feet.
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.