Blue Star (Amsonia Tabernaemontana)

Blue Star

Features and Characteristics

Amsonia tabernaemontana, commonly called bluestar, is a Missouri native herbaceous perennial which occurs most frequently in rich, open woods and thickets in the southwestern part of the State. An erect, clump-forming plant which features terminal, pyramidal clusters of 3/4″, soft light blue, star-like flowers in late spring atop erect, leafy stems growing 2-3′ tall. Narrow, willow-shaped, dull green foliage may turn an attractive yellow in fall.

Genus name honors 18th-century Virginian physician Dr. Charles Amson.

Specific epithet honours Jakob Theodor von Bergzabern (d. 1590) who Latinized his name as Tabernaemontanus.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, loamy soils. Tolerates some drought. When grown in full sun, plants often require no pruning or staking. When grown in some shade and/or in rich soils, however, plants tend to become more open and floppy and often require staking or pruning. For a neater appearance, particularly for shade-grown plants, consider cutting back stems by 1/2 to 1/3 after flowering to promote bushy growth and, if desired, a more rounded foliage mound.

Blue Star (Amsonia Tabernaemontana) Requirements

Hardiness zone	3 - 9
Sun light	Full Sun To Part Shade
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Rust may occur.

Uses

An easy-to-grow plant which is best massed in informal settings such as native plant gardens, shade gardens or open woodland areas. Also appropriate for borders or containers.

Blue Star (Amsonia Tabernaemontana) Details

Common name	Blue Star
Botanical name	Amsonia Tabernaemontana
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Apocynaceae
Hardiness zone	3 - 9
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Blue
Flowering period	May
Height	2 - 3 Ft.
Width	2 - 3 Ft.