Overview
Amsonia hubrichtii 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 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Amsonia hubrichtii grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, rock garden and flower borders and beds. It is native to Arkansas and Oklahoma.
About
Amsonia hubrichtii, commonly known as Arkansas bluestar or Hubricht's bluestar, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Apocynaceae family. It grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size in 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade and is adaptable to various soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained conditions. It is drought resistant and 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
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Amsonia hubrichtii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 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, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Arkansas, Oklahoma
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Amsonia hubrichtii
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; drought tolerant once established; minimal fertilization needed
- Pruning
- Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth; remove dead or damaged stems as needed
- Propagation
- 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
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Amsonia hubrichtii?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; drought tolerant once established; minimal fertilization needed.
Where is the best place to plant Amsonia hubrichtii?
Amsonia hubrichtii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Amsonia hubrichtii need?
Amsonia hubrichtii 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 hubrichtii?
Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth; remove dead or damaged stems as needed.
How big does Amsonia hubrichtii grow?
Amsonia hubrichtii reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Amsonia hubrichtii hardy in the UK?
Amsonia hubrichtii has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Amsonia hubrichtii?
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.
More in the Amsonia genus
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