Amsonia plants and species include Amsonia tabernaemontana and Amsonia hubrichtii or ‘Hubrichts BlueStar’ and if you are looking for some autumn colour then the deep golden foliage is an added attraction.
The beauty of this plant is that is a ‘reliable’, rather than ‘brilliant’ addition to the garden. Easy to grow, but not invasive, attractive, but better as a background plant to ‘brighter’ flowering plants. It will form a good clump and can be divided in early spring.
Amsomia or ‘Blue Star’ Blue Star is perennial grown for its summer foliage and blue ‘star shaped’ flowers in late spring. Full sun to part shade. These are only two of around 20 species, however we do feel that other species will become available and its all to do with the wonderful blue flowers as well as great golden yellow autumn colour.
Excellent plants for a cottage garden or mixed perennial border it is the North American species that are the best for our conditions.
You can grow these plants from seed, however tube stock or young plants are more reliable.
Care and Maintenance
Plant in a position where the soil will receive some moisture through spring and summer. In hot climates, afternoon shade is suggested. Deep shade is not suitable.
Prepare the soil before planting by digging in well rotted compost and some aged cow manure.
Mulch around the clump to help maintain a cool root run.
Deadhead after flowering to encourage aa send flush of flowers, this can be done with hedge clippers.
Apply a light mulch of aged compost and blood and bone after the plants have died back in winter.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Amsonia
- Common Name – Blue Star
- Family – Apocynaceae
- Position – Full sun to dappled afternoon shade.
- Soil – Humus rich and moist.
- Height – To around .8 metres.
- Spread – Clump forming over tome to around 1 metre.
- Flowers – Blue star like.
- Flowering time – Spring to summer.
- Frost tolerant – Yes
- Drought tolerant – No
Amsonia are available for sale from the following nurseries.
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au