Species

perennial

Blue Amsonia Georgia Pancake

The Story

Plant Bio

Amsonia ciliata, commonly known as Blue Star, is a deciduous perennial with upright, slender stems and narrow, lance-shaped green leaves. In spring and summer, it produces clusters of star-shaped, pale blue flowers that attract pollinators.

This cultivar is a unique, very low-growing, wide-spreading groundcover form, reaching only a few inches in height. It features the same fine-textured, needle-like foliage and pale blue, star-shaped flowers as the species.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides vibrant blue flowers mid-summer, attracting pollinators and adding color to borders.

Drought tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering and maintenance.

Supports local pollinators and birds, enhancing garden biodiversity.

SpeciesAmsonia ciliataBlue Star Amsonia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

4 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate once established

Humidity

Prefers well-drained, average humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Late summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or divisions into prepared soil in early spring.
Water thoroughly after planting for best establishment.
Space plants about 18-24 inches apart to allow growth.
Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Prune back lightly in late winter to promote bushier growth.
Monitor for pests and provide organic control if needed.

Pro Tip

Plant in well-drained soil with full to partial sun for best blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
Prune after flowering to maintain shape
Mulch annually to conserve moisture

Don't

Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
Don’t fertilize excessively to prevent legginess
Do not disturb roots during peak flowering

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Prune
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Soft blue borderInformal garden backdropWildflower meadow accent

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia hirta Coreopsis verticillata Nepeta faassenii Salvia nemorosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Blue Amsonia Georgia Pancake questions

What zones can Blue Amsonia Georgia Pancake grow in?

Blue Amsonia Georgia Pancake is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Blue Amsonia Georgia Pancake deer resistant?

Yes — Blue Amsonia Georgia Pancake is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Blue Amsonia Georgia Pancake bloom?

Blue Amsonia Georgia Pancake typically blooms in late spring through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Blue Amsonia Georgia Pancake need full sun?

Blue Amsonia Georgia Pancake does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Blue Amsonia Georgia Pancake drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Blue Amsonia Georgia Pancake handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.