About
Amsonia illustris is a perennial plant that develops into a compact clump over time. It features lanceolate, shiny leaves measuring between 3 and 7 centimeters, which transition to a vibrant golden-yellow hue in the fall. In late spring and early summer, upright stems support airy clusters of pale blue flowers, each reaching up to 1.5 centimeters in diameter.
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, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 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
- C USA
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. 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