Overview
Amsonia tabernaemontana 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 tabernaemontana 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 cottage and informal garden and prairie planting. It is native to C & E USA.
About
Amsonia tabernaemontana is a perennial that develops into a compact clump, featuring numerous stems adorned with small, elongated, dark green leaves. From late spring through mid-summer, it produces dense clusters of soft blue flowers.
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
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
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Amsonia tabernaemontana 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
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
- Native to
- C & E USA
- Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Amsonia tabernaemontana
- Cultivation
- Grows best in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade and is fairly drought-tolerant
- Pruning
- Cut back in late autumn
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Alternatively propagate by division in spring or root softwood cuttings in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Amsonia tabernaemontana?
Grows best in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade and is fairly drought-tolerant.
Where is the best place to plant Amsonia tabernaemontana?
Amsonia tabernaemontana prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Amsonia tabernaemontana need?
Amsonia tabernaemontana 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 tabernaemontana?
Cut back in late autumn.
How big does Amsonia tabernaemontana grow?
Amsonia tabernaemontana 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 tabernaemontana hardy in the UK?
Amsonia tabernaemontana has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Amsonia tabernaemontana?
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Alternatively propagate by division in spring or root softwood cuttings in early summer.
Is Amsonia tabernaemontana toxic?
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers.