Amsonia ciliata (Fringed Blue Star)

A widely celebrated North American native species, Amsonia ciliata (Fringed Blue Star) is a clump-forming perennial with early-season blue flowers, handsome summer foliage, and golden fall color. Fringed Blue Star features loose clusters of star-shaped, pale blue flowers with five lobes and white centers, in early spring to early summer. Blooming for 3-4 weeks, they attract butterflies and other pollinators. The flowers are followed by slender seed pods, 4-7 in. long, 10-17 cm, which split along one side, releasing seeds. They are borne on erect, leafy stems clad with smooth, linear or lance-shaped, light-green leaves with one vein running lengthwise down the center. The foliage turns bright yellow in the autumn adding interest to the fall garden. Low maintenance, disease and insect resistant, Fringed Blue Star is a long-lived perennial that is well suited for perennial borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens or woodlands.

• Grows up to 24-36 in. tall and wide (60-90 cm).
• Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Prefers regular moisture, but tolerates dry soils. Provide sufficient moisture to survive dry periods. Drought tolerant once established.
• Fringed Blue Star is a welcomed addition to borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens or open woodland gardens. Best visual impact in mass plantings.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant.
• Cut back after flowering to maintain shape, prevent the plant from flopping over and promote a bushy growth.
• Propagate by seed or root division. Seed can be sown outside after collection. Seedlings germinate immediately, but flower the second year following germination.
• Native to the southeastern U.S. from North Carolina to Florida west to Missouri, Arkansas and Texas.