Amsonia illustris
Shining Bluestar
Please register or login to build your personal plant list.Amsonia illustris offers unique blue star-shaped flowers and a low-maintenance charm to enhance the beauty of garden landscapes across...
Description:
Known for its striking blue star-shaped flowers that appear in spring to early summer, Amsonia illustris adds a touch of elegance to garden beds. These blossoms, complemented by its fine-textured, deep green foliage, create a lovely contrast in the garden and continue to provide visual interest even after the flowers fade.
Amsonia illustris thrives in various soil types and light conditions, though it particularly excels in partial to full sun. Its adaptability, drought tolerance, and resistance to deer make it an easy-care addition to any garden.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, this plant is a magnet for pollinators, attracting bees and butterflies, which is especially beneficial for supporting local wildlife in New Jersey. As a hardy perennial, it offers long-lasting beauty year after year, requiring minimal maintenance.
Plant Details:
Other Common Names: Ozark Blue Star, Showy Bluestar, Swamp Bluestar
Plant Type: Flower, Perennial
New Jersey Native: No
Bloom Times: Spring, Late Spring to Early Summer
Bloom Colors: Blue
Deer Resistance: High
Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Bees and Other Pollinators, Butterflies
Salt Tolerance: Unknown
Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Physiographic Region: All Regions in NJ
Soil Characteristics
Soil Type: Loam, Organic, Sandy, Clay
Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist
Soil pH: Acidic, Slightly Acidic
Light Needs of Plant
Light Range: Full Sun, Partial Shade
Water Needs of Plant
Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Size and Growth Rate
Height: 2 - 3 ft
Spread: 1 - 1.5 ft
Growth Rate: Medium