Ampelaster carolinianus (Climbing Aster)

Description

Butterflies and bees love to nectar on this fragrant evergreen fall bloomer. Birds love the seed. In the open, it becames a 4′-6′ wide arching shrub. If planted next to shrubs or other structures, it will climb about 10′. We have one in the nursery that volunteered in a climbing rose. It does not overpower it. It looks best if cut back to the ground at the end of winter.   Can be grown in the open like a large shrub or planted next to a shrub or other structure to climb upon. . It prefers sun or part shade in average to wet soil. …Native to NC, SC, GA, FL, and MS. We propagated our plants from native populations in Beaufort Co., SC.