Overview
Amsonia angustifolia is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Amsonia, part of the Apocynaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Amsonia angustifolia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, prairie planting and flower borders and beds.
About
Amsonia angustifolia is a clump-forming cultivar of the Amsonia genus, belonging to the Apocynaceae family. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for south-, west-, or east-facing aspects. It adapts well to a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions and a range of soil pH from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is ideal for cottage and informal gardens, prairie plantings, and flower borders. Propagation can be achieved by seed sown in containers in a cold frame during autumn or spring, division in spring or early autumn, or root softwood or basal cuttings in early summer.
About the genus
Amsonia is a genus of flowering plants in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae, first described as a genus in 1788. It is native primarily to North America with one species in East Asia and another in the eastern Mediterranean. It was named in honor of the American physician John Amson.
Wikipedia contributors, "Amsonia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Amsonia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Amsonia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered, Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Amsonia angustifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Amsonia angustifolia
- Propagation
- Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring, Divide in spring or early autumn, Root softwood or basal cuttings in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Amsonia angustifolia?
Amsonia angustifolia prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.
What soil does Amsonia angustifolia need?
Amsonia angustifolia is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Amsonia angustifolia hardy in the UK?
Amsonia angustifolia has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Amsonia angustifolia?
Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring, Divide in spring or early autumn, Root softwood or basal cuttings in early summer.