Overview
Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud' 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 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden and prairie planting.
About
Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud' is a herbaceous perennial that develops a dense clump of upright stems with a deep coloration. Its foliage consists of subtly blue-green leaves that transform to yellow as autumn approaches. In late spring to early summer, the steely-blue flower buds emerge and open into clusters of five-petaled 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
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
- 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 'Storm Cloud'
- Cultivation
- Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade and is fairly drought-tolerant
- Pruning
- Cut back in early winter
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring or by softwood cuttings in early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud'?
Grow in 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 'Storm Cloud'?
Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud' need?
Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud' 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 'Storm Cloud'?
Cut back in early winter.
How big does Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud' grow?
Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud' hardy in the UK?
Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud' has a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud'?
Propagate by division in spring or by softwood cuttings in early summer.
Is Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud' 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.