Amsonia hubrichtii
Arkansas blue star
Fine, feathery foliage and clusters of soft blue flowers give this elegant perennial plenty of appeal from late spring onwards. The slender stems of Amsonia hubrichtii are clothed in narrow, willow-like leaves and topped with star-shaped, pale grey-blue flowers in May and June, making it a useful choice for mixed borders and naturalistic planting.
As summer fades, the foliage turns a striking butter-yellow before the plant dies back for winter, extending its season of interest well beyond flowering. Heat and drought tolerant once established, it is a particularly useful choice for sunny, lower-maintenance planting.
As summer fades, the foliage turns a striking butter-yellow before the plant dies back for winter, extending its season of interest well beyond flowering. Heat and drought tolerant once established, it is a particularly useful choice for sunny, lower-maintenance planting.
How to care for Amsonia hubrichtii:
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil, incorporating some well-rotted organic matter when planting. Water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce watering as plants become established.
If stems become floppy after flowering, cut the plant back by around a third to encourage a neater, bushier shape, or trim lightly to form a rounded dome. In autumn, the foliage develops rich golden colour before dying back for winter.
Leave established plants undisturbed where possible, as they can be slow to recover from division.
If stems become floppy after flowering, cut the plant back by around a third to encourage a neater, bushier shape, or trim lightly to form a rounded dome. In autumn, the foliage develops rich golden colour before dying back for winter.
Leave established plants undisturbed where possible, as they can be slow to recover from division.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.7m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
