Overview
Amsonia ciliata is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Amsonia, part of the Apocynaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Amsonia ciliata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, prairie planting and flower borders and beds.
About
Amsonia ciliata, commonly known as fringed bluestar, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Apocynaceae family. It grows to a height and spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring east, west, or south-facing aspects in sheltered locations. It adapts well to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions and a wide pH range from acid to alkaline. Amsonia ciliata provides 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
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Amsonia ciliata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 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 ciliata
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Root softwood or basal cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Amsonia ciliata?
Amsonia ciliata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Amsonia ciliata need?
Amsonia ciliata 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.
How big does Amsonia ciliata grow?
Amsonia ciliata reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Amsonia ciliata hardy in the UK?
Amsonia ciliata 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 ciliata?
Seed, Division, Root softwood or basal cuttings.
More in the Amsonia genus
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