blue star
Amsonia ciliata
USDA zones5 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Pale blue
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Blue star (Amsonia ciliata) is a perennial for borders, rock gardens, and meadows. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Pale blue, star-shaped flowers open in loose clusters at the stem tips. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. Cut it back after flowering to keep it erect and bushy.
Pairs well with Little bluestem, Blue sage, and Blue-eyed grass.
Native range
Southeastern United States.