Overview

Amsonia tab. var. salicifolia is a perennial in the genus Amsonia, part of the Apocynaceae family. Amsonia tab. var. salicifolia grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and cut flowers. It is native to Southeastern United States.

About

Amsonia tab. var. salicifolia is a named variety within the Amsonia genus in the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. It belongs to the group commonly called bluestars and is treated as a variety of Amsonia tabernaemontana. In the UK it flowers from May to June. The genus is primarily native to North America and was named for the American physician John Amson.

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

In the garden

Amsonia tab. var. salicifolia sits within the Amsonia genus of the dogbane family, a group commonly known as bluestars. The wider genus is chiefly North American in distribution, with one species in East Asia and another in the eastern Mediterranean; the species Amsonia tabernaemontana (eastern bluestar) occurs in the southern, central and eastern United States. The generic name honours John Amson. Flowering in the UK takes place from May to June, which positions this variety among spring-flowering plants in the garden calendar. Specific cultivation requirements — including exact exposure, soil type and hardiness — can vary between varieties and individual garden conditions, so follow the plant label or supplier guidance for site selection and planting details. In practice, growers commonly treat named Amsonia varieties as part of spring schemes where reliable flowering timing is needed. When assessing this variety for a garden, consider its role in the May–June sequence and plan neighbouring plants to complement that period of bloom. Expect the variety to contribute to that seasonal display through its May to June flowering window.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Amsonia

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained

Soil moisture

moist

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Amsonia tab. var. salicifolia size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Suggested uses

borders, rock gardens, cut flowers

Native to

Southeastern United States

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Amsonia tab. var. salicifolia

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Tolerates drought once established.

Pruning

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.

Propagation

Seed, division

Frequently asked questions