About
A herbaceous perennial forming a mound of simple stems of a distinctly dark colour. They bear slightly blue-green leaves which turn yellow in autumn. The flower buds are steely-blue and open to clusters of five-petalled blue stars in late spring to early summer.
About the genus
Amsonia are clump-forming perennials with milky sap, lance-shaped leaves and terminal panicles of small, starry blue flowers in spring and summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
ToxicityHarmful 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
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade and is fairly drought-tolerant
PruningCut back in early winter
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or by softwood cuttings in early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free