Saxapahaw, NC

The Flower of Carolina

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  • Product Info

    Carolina Climbing Aster (Ampleaster carolinianus)
    Aster Family

    This is our latest blooming vine in North Carolina, with blooms beginning in late October and often continuing into mid-December in mild winters. The light pink to pale purple 2” flowers have delicate petals with bright yellow centers. They are considered an important late season nectar source for migrating insects like the Monarch butterfly. This is a rambling type vine that needs support if climbing is desired. It can also be left to sprawl over and around taller, bushy perennials. Best flowering and growth occur in full sun in moist soil, but will tolerate partly shady conditions as well. It is drought tolerant once established, but shouldn’t be planted in an overly dry area.

    Blooms: Lavender, 6-8 weeks, Oct-Nov
    Leaves: Simple, small leaves, turn shades of red and purple in the fall
    Height: 8-10’
    Space: 3-4’
    Soil: Average-Moist
    Exposure: Full sun-Part sun 
    Fauna: Butterflies, bees, flies, host plant for butterflies
    Seeds: White achenes typical of asters
    Deer Resistance: Moderate
    Zone: 6-9
    Native Status: NC Native, rare in the Coastal Plain
    Provenance: Unknown, asexually propagated