Climbing Aster

Symphyotrychum carolinianum

Carolina Aster is not one of my favorite plants because it only blooms in the fall and looks like a rangy weed the rest of the year. But, the masses of one inch, daisy like lavender flowers make this plant spectacular during its blooming season.

It is found along river banks, like the Loxahatchee River, and the edges of wetlands throughout all of Florida and the Southeast. Moist to wet soils are best. Short term flooding is OK but salt air and water along with prolonged drought are not tolerated.

The ten foot long stems will sprawl over objects and can be interwoven with Sabal Palm boots. I have planted masses along the edge of local lakes and had it do well for years.

Try mixing in with Cypress, Red Maple, Sweetbay Magnolia and other wetland trees and shrubs. Use it as a background to other more colorful flowers like Yellow Canna, Pickerelweed and Duck Potato. The blooms will attract butterflies and bees.

I first noticed this plant while canoeing down the Loxahatchee River near Jupiter, Florida in the fall. The masses of flowers draping over the riverbank and pouring into the water were magical. Native Crinum Lilies often massed in front of it with their fragrant white flowers going beautifully with the blue flowers of the aster.

Although you may not want to plant this in front of your doorway, it can provide a really delightful display of color in the fall when other plants are winding down their flowering season.

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