Bluestar, Amsonia

(Amsonia tabernaemontana)
Blue Star Amsonia at Blackberry Farm

Bluestar Amsonia

Bluestar flowers growing in the gardens at Blackberry Farm.

Photo by: Image courtesy of Blackberry Farm ©2013, HGTV/Scripps Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Image courtesy of Blackberry Farm, 2013, HGTV/Scripps Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Plant type: Spring-blooming herbaceous perennial
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5 to 9

Valued for its spring blooms, fine texture, low maintenance and great fall foliage, bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana) produces brilliant blue star-like flowers in mid- to late-spring. Delicate blooms are about 3/4 inch wide. Willowy green foliage provides interest for the rest of the growing season, adding a fine texture to the perennial border. Leaves are glossy green and narrow in shape, providing its fine texture. Excellent bright yellow fall foliage makes this plant stand out in the perennial border. Plant size is two to three feet tall by two to three feet wide. Native to U.S. In its native habitats, bluestar is found along riverbanks or in the woods.

How to use it: In masses or as a specimen plant. For use in a mixed perennial border in the middle to back of the border or in a rock garden.

Culture: Low-maintenance perennial. Performs best in partial shade in a moist, loamy, well-drained soil. Also tolerates full sun if provided with enough moisture. Will get floppy if planted in too much shade. After flowering, cut back stems by about a third to half the size of the plant to encourage branching and a bushier plant. Cut down to the ground in late winter. Drought tolerant. Primarily propagated through seed or division. No serious pest or disease problems.

Next Up

Are Mums Perennials?

Learn which mums you can count on to color your landscape for years to come.

Planting and Growing Garden Phlox

Learn how to plant, grow and care for this perennial charmer in your garden.

How to Grow Dianthus Flowers

Cottage garden favorites including Sweet William, cheddar pinks and carnations will add an attractive pop of color to any yard.

Salvia Plants: Growing and Caring for Ornamental Sage

With over 900 species — annuals and perennials — it's easy to find a variety of low-maintenance salvia for your yard.

Planting and Growing Russian Sage

Learn how to plant Russian sage and use his drought-tolerant perennial.

Growing Carnation Flowers

Wonderfully fragrant and old-fashioned, carnation plants bring scent-sational beauty to the garden.

What’s the Difference Between an Annual and a Perennial?

Should you pick annuals or perennials when planting your garden? Here's a rundown on the differences between these two types of plants and the pros and cons of each.

How to Plant and Enjoy Baby's Breath

Learn to grow, tend and design with graceful Gypsophila in your garden and home

Mexican Petunias: Plant With Caution

Whether you call them hardy petunias, perennial petunias or Mexican bluebells, this pretty petunia has a wild side.

How to Plant and Grow Balloon Flower

The easy-to-grow, old-fashioned balloon flower brings showy blooms to the late summer garden.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.