Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia (Eastern Blue Star)

Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia (Eastern Blue Star) is an erect, clump-forming perennial adorned with open clusters of star-shaped, pale blue flowers with white throats in late spring – early summer. Blooming for 4-6 weeks, they rise atop erect, leafy stems above a graceful foliage of willow-shaped, bright green leaves. Very slender, the leaves are 5-10 times longer than they are wide. They turn a rich shade of golden-yellow in the fall, extending the season of interest of this plant. With early-season blue flowers, attractive summer foliage, a sturdy habit and golden fall color, it is a first-rate garden plant.

• 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 part shade. Thrives in loamy, moist soils (but not soggy)! Once established, this plant is somewhat drought tolerant.
• Undemanding and virtually pest-free and disease-free, Eastern Blue Star is a welcomed addition to borders, shade gardens, prairie plantings or cottage gardens. Best visual impact in mass plantings.
• Deer resistant, clay tolerant.
• If grown in full sun, this plant will not require staking or pruning. In part shade, this plant has a tendency to flop, therefore it will need to be pruned or staked. Cut back by 30% to 50% after flowering to maintain shape, prevent the plant from flopping over and promote a bushy growth.
• Contact with the milky sap may cause skin irritation.
• Native to the southeastern United States