The Story
Plant Bio
Amsonia hubrichtii is a clump-forming perennial celebrated for its delicate, needle-like foliage that creates a soft, feathery texture in the garden. It produces clusters of pale blue, star-shaped flowers in spring and is renowned for its brilliant golden fall color.
'Butterscotch' is a selection of the species chosen specifically for its exceptionally vibrant and long-lasting fall color, which is a richer, more intense golden-yellow, often described as butterscotch, than the typical species.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Very long-lived perennial
Native To
North America (Arkansas, Oklahoma)
Toxicity
Sap can be a mild skin irritant; toxic if ingested.
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with full sun for best form and fall color
- Cultivate average, well-drained soil; it is not a heavy feeder
- Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the pot
- Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is at soil level
- Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly to settle
- Water regularly for the first year to establish drought tolerance
Pro Tip
For the most intense fall color and sturdiest stems, plant in full sun. In shadier spots, it may flop and need staking.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in full sun for the best performance
- Cut stems back by about a third after flowering to prevent flopping
- Be patient; it is slow to establish but very long-lived
- Provide good drainage
Don't
- Do not over-fertilize, which can lead to weak, floppy growth
- Avoid moving or dividing it once established, as it has a deep taproot
- Don't plant in waterlogged soil
- Don't worry about pests or diseases; it's remarkably trouble-free
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Butterscotch Arkansas Blue Star questions
What zones can Butterscotch Arkansas Blue Star grow in?
Butterscotch Arkansas Blue Star is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Butterscotch Arkansas Blue Star deer resistant?
Yes — Butterscotch Arkansas Blue Star is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Butterscotch Arkansas Blue Star bloom?
Butterscotch Arkansas Blue Star typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Butterscotch Arkansas Blue Star need full sun?
Butterscotch Arkansas Blue Star does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Butterscotch Arkansas Blue Star drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Butterscotch Arkansas Blue Star handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Amsonia to compare
Blue Star Amsonia
Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Blue Star'
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'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Butterscotch Arkansas Blue Star 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.