Amsonia illustris

Scientific Name: Amsonia illustris

Common Name: Ozark Bluestar

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

Blooming Time: May to June

Bloom Duration: 3 to 4 weeks

Fragrance: No noticeable fragrance

Plant Growing Habit: Upright, clump-forming

Characteristics: A long-lived native perennial with glossy, willow-like dark green foliage and clusters of star-shaped, pale blue flowers in late spring. The foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season before turning brilliant golden-yellow in autumn. Excellent for borders, native plant gardens, rain gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while being resistant to deer and rabbits.

Spacing: 45 to 60 cm apart

Height: 60 to 90 cm

Width: 60 to 90 cm

Maintenance Requirements: Low maintenance. Prefers fertile, well-drained soil but adapts well to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system; once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant. Little pruning is required, although stems may be cut back by one-third after flowering to maintain a compact habit. Fertilization is generally unnecessary in average garden soils. Hardy and well-suited to Canadian gardens in Zones 5–9.

Images Courtesy Of Ball Horticultural Company of Ball Seed or www.ballseed.com