About
Amsonia elliptica is a perennial plant that grows in an upright clump. Its lance-shaped leaves are glossy and bright green, measuring between 3 to 7 cm in length, and they transition to shades of golden-yellow and pink in the fall. In late spring and early summer, this species produces open panicles of pale blue, star-shaped flowers on upright stems, with a second bloom occurring in September.
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
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
- Native to
- China, Japan
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist well-drained soil in full sun. Can tolerate periods of drought
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by 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