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 cottage and informal garden, prairie planting and flower borders and beds.
About
Amsonia 'Blue Ice' (bluestar 'Blue Ice') is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the Apocynaceae family. It features deciduous foliage and typically grows to a height of 0.1 to 0.5 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for all garden aspects and exposures, including north-facing and sheltered sites. It adapts well to various soil types and pH levels, preferring moist but well-drained conditions, and is drought resistant. It offers seasonal interest from spring through to autumn.
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, 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
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Amsonia 'Blue Ice'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist but well-drained soil; drought resistant once established; tolerates full sun to partial shade; suitable for various soil types and pH levels.
- Pruning
- Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth and maintain shape.
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Root softwood or basal cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Amsonia 'Blue Ice'?
Prefers moist but well-drained soil; drought resistant once established; tolerates full sun to partial shade; suitable for various soil types and pH levels.
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 winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth and maintain shape.
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 an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Amsonia 'Blue Ice'?
Seed, Division, Root softwood or basal cuttings.
More in the Amsonia genus
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