Overview
Amsonia jonesii is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Amsonia, part of the Apocynaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Amsonia jonesii 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 jonesii is a clump-forming perennial cultivar of the Amsonia genus, known for its milky sap and elongated, lanceolate leaves. It produces clusters of small, star-like blue flowers at the tips during spring and summer. This deciduous plant thrives in a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, provided the soil is fertile, moist but well-drained. Suitable for full sun or partial shade and adaptable to different garden aspects and exposures, it is hardy to UK zone H4 and is ideal for cottage gardens, prairie plantings, and flower borders.
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
- North-facing, South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Amsonia jonesii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Amsonia jonesii
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or spring, Division in spring, Root softwood cuttings in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Amsonia jonesii?
Amsonia jonesii prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Amsonia jonesii need?
Amsonia jonesii 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.
Is Amsonia jonesii hardy in the UK?
Amsonia jonesii 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 jonesii?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or spring, Division in spring, Root softwood cuttings in early summer.