The Story
Plant Bio
Glacier Blue Amsonia is known for its attractive blue flowers and fine-textured foliage that turns a golden yellow in the fall.
This cultivar is particularly noted for its pleasing blue color and compact growth habit, making it suitable for smaller gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
15 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Sap can be a skin irritant; toxic if ingested.
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring for best germination.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and encourage rooting.
- Plant in well-drained soil with full to partial sun exposure.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and health.
Pro Tip
Use a well-draining soil mix and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
- Prune after flowering to promote bushier growth
- Fertilize annually with a balanced fertilizer
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Refrain from heavy fertilization late in the season
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| 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
Blue Ice Bluestar questions
What zones can Blue Ice Bluestar grow in?
Blue Ice Bluestar 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 Ice Bluestar deer resistant?
Yes — Blue Ice Bluestar is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Blue Ice Bluestar bloom?
Blue Ice Bluestar 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 Blue Ice Bluestar need full sun?
Blue Ice Bluestar does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Blue Ice Bluestar drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Blue Ice Bluestar 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'
Willowleaf Blue Star
Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Willowleaf Blue Star'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Blue Ice Bluestar 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.