Overview
Amsonia 'Blue Ice' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Amsonia, part of the Apocynaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Amsonia 'Blue Ice' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden and prairie planting.
About
Amsonia 'Blue Ice' is a compact, clump-forming perennial that sheds its leaves in winter. It features elongated, dark green foliage highlighted by a lighter mid-vein. As autumn approaches, the leaves transition to shades of yellow, orange, and gold. During late spring and early summer, this plant produces clusters of star-shaped flowers in a soft periwinkle blue.
About the genus
Amsonia consists of perennial plants that grow in clumps and produce a milky sap. They feature elongated, lanceolate leaves and bear clusters of small, star-like blue blooms at the tips during the spring and summer months.
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, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Amsonia 'Blue Ice' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Amsonia 'Blue Ice'
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Can tolerate periods of drought
- Pruning
- Cut back in late autumn after leaf colour show
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free. Slug and snail resistant
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Amsonia 'Blue Ice'?
Grow in moist well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Can tolerate periods of drought.
Where is the best place to plant Amsonia 'Blue Ice'?
Amsonia 'Blue Ice' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Amsonia 'Blue Ice' need?
Amsonia 'Blue Ice' 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 to well-drained.
How do I prune Amsonia 'Blue Ice'?
Cut back in late autumn after leaf colour show.
How big does Amsonia 'Blue Ice' grow?
Amsonia 'Blue Ice' reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Amsonia 'Blue Ice' hardy in the UK?
Amsonia 'Blue Ice' has a UK hardiness rating of H4.
How do I propagate Amsonia 'Blue Ice'?
Propagate by seed or division.