Bluestar, Threadleaf

$4.00

for 3″ re-used plastic pot

Out of stock

...

Amsonia hubrichtii

This low-maintenance plant boasts clusters of blue, star-shaped flowers in late spring and bright green foliage thru the summer, which turns a brilliant yellow in autumn. The narrow, fern-like leaves and overall mounding shape make a lovely contrast with coarser textured flowers like coneflower or low-growing plants. Suitable for both formal and informal landscapes, can be used in mixed borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens or open woodlands, and is particularly impressive when planted en masse.

Bluestar is a slow-growing perennial; it may take a year or two before it really starts to shine! But it’s worth the wait, as this long-lived plant is beautiful in spring, summer & fall, and has few pest or disease problems.

Amsonia can be grown in full sun or part shade. Full sun will give more flowers and the best fall color, but the flowers will last longer with some afternoon shade. If plants get lanky and flop over because of too much shade or too rich of soil, they can be cut down to 6” after flowering for more compact growth. Wear gloves when pruning as the milky white sap can cause skin irritation. Will die back in the winter, with new shoots emerging in early spring.

Grows 2-3’ tall and 2-3’ wide, medium-dry soil, drought tolerant once established. Deer and rabbit resistant. Attracts butterflies. Native to the Ouachita mountains in Oklahoma & Arkansas. Also known as Arkansas Bluestar.

Kartesz, J.T., The Biota of North America Program (BONAP). 2023. Taxonomic Data Center. (http://www.bonap.net/tdc). Chapel Hill, N.C. [maps generated from Kartesz, J.T. 2023. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP). (in press)]