Amsonia, Bluestar 'Blue Ice'

Blue Ice Blue Star | Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Blue Ice'

Height:  18 inches

Spread:  20 inches

Sunlight: full sun to partial shade

Hardiness Zone:  4b

Other Names:  Star Flower

Brand:  Gertens

Description:

This variety is more compact than the species with deeper blue flowers; lovely along borders or edges; an impressive statement in blue when massed

Ornamental Features

Blue Ice Blue Star has blue star-shaped flowers at the ends of the stems from late spring to early summer, which are interesting on close inspection. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its narrow leaves are light green in color. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous yellow in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Blue Ice Blue Star is an herbaceous perennial with a more or less rounded form. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Blue Ice Blue Star is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• General Garden Use
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Blue Ice Blue Star will grow to be about 18 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 inches. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided. This is a selection of a native North American species. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.