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 H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and rock garden. It is native to Central and SE USA.
About
Amsonia ciliata is a perennial that forms dense clumps, featuring pale blue, star-like blooms that appear in clusters atop upright stems adorned with slender green leaves. It typically flowers in mid-spring, around May and June. In the fall, the foliage transforms to a vibrant golden yellow.
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
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
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, Rock garden
- Native to
- Central and SE USA
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Amsonia ciliata
- Cultivation
- Grow in any moist but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Will tolerate some drought
- Pruning
- Cut back in winter before spring growth emerges
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Divide in spring. Root softwood or basal cuttings in early summer.
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Amsonia ciliata?
Grow in any moist but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Will tolerate some drought.
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 do I prune Amsonia ciliata?
Cut back in winter before spring growth emerges.
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 a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Amsonia ciliata?
Propagate by seed. Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Divide in spring. Root softwood or basal cuttings in early summer.