Blue Star Amsonia
Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Blue Star'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
24 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested; milky sap may cause skin irritation.
The Story
Plant Bio
Amsonia tabernaemontana, commonly known as Blue Star, is a clump-forming perennial noted for its star-like pale blue flowers and attractive foliage. Notable for its vibrant autumn foliage and distinctive star-shaped flowers.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity during rooting.
- Transplant seedlings when they are 4-6 inches tall, typically in late spring.
- Water deeply after planting and keep soil moist until established.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
- Mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Use stratified seeds for better germination and provide partial shade during hot summer days.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells 💧
- Prune lightly after flowering to shape the plant
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature
- Monitor for pests and treat promptly
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during the growing season
- Refrain from fertilizing late in the season
- Do not neglect pruning after flowering
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Blue Star Amsonia questions
What zones can Blue Star Amsonia grow in?
Blue Star Amsonia is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Blue Star Amsonia deer resistant?
Yes — Blue Star Amsonia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Blue Star Amsonia bloom?
Blue Star Amsonia typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Blue Star Amsonia need full sun?
Blue Star Amsonia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Blue Star Amsonia drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Blue Star Amsonia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Amsonia to compare
Storm Cloud Blue Star
Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud'
Arkansas Blue Star
Amsonia hubrichtii
Bluestar
Amsonia tabernaemontana
Blue Ice Amsonia
Amsonia orientalis 'Blue Ice'
Blue Ice Bluestar
Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Glacier Blue'
Blue Star Amsonia
Amsonia ciliata
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Grow Blue Star Amsonia with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
