landscapes. Its vinelike habit is suitable for growing along a trellis or fence. Elliott’s Aster is best for a naturalistic planting, and must be frequently maintained in a more formal setting. Both species are proli��c self-seeders. Elliott’s Aster will also spread by suckering. Hardiness Climbing Aster is suited for zones 8a-11. Elliott’s Aster is best for zones 8a-10a. Seeds Elliott’s Aster seeds are available from the Florida Wild��ower Growers Cooperative. Sow in fall. Plants Climbing Aster is generally available from nurseries that specialize in native plants. Elliott’s Aster is becoming more available — ask for it. Care Cut back Climbing Aster in late winter after ��owering has ceased to encourage future blooms and healthy growth. Elliott’s Aster can sucker aggressively and can form dense colonies if allowed. Suckers can be easily removed, but must be tended to throughout the growing season to keep them from overtaking and outcompeting other species. Both species can be problematic in formal landscapes as they can take on a tangled or chaotic appearance if not maintained; however, they can be pruned to any shape and also perform well as a hedge. Periodic pruning of both species will encourage blooming. Site conditions Both Elliott’s and Climbing Aster prefer sandy, loamy or organic soils that are moist, although they can tolerate moderately dry soils. Plant in full sun to partial shade (access to full sun will yield the best ��ower display). Neither species is salt tolerant. Other species Several other species of Symphyotrichum may be available from native nurseries and suitable for landscapes. Rice Button Aster (S. dumosum) is much smaller than Elliott’s, growing to 2-3 feet tall and producing small, whitishlavender ��owers. It suckers in single stalks, not in mass. Georgia Aster (S. georgianum) is one of the most striking of the genus, with corn��ower blue to purple ray ��orets and contrasting white anthers. It requires a bit more moisture and sun than S. elliottii or S. carolinianum, but is adaptable. Eastern Silver Aster (S. concolor) is an upland species that is very drought tolerant. Its ��owers are deep violet and born in spring on the ends of long stalks. It gets its name from its silvery-green foliage. Walter’s Aster (S. walteri) is also an upland species that prefers dry, well-drained soils. Its ��owers are smaller and have fewer ray ��orets and more distinct disk ��orets. It should not be planted south of Central Florida. W22 Photo by Andrea England Climbing Aster ��owers and ��ower buds Photo by Mary Keim Monarch butter��y on Elliott’s Aster Photo by Andrea England Photo by Andrea England Climbing Aster in January landscape Young Elliott’s Aster plant
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