Amsonia 'Blue Ice'

Bluestars are prized because they make outstanding drought-tolerant garden plants and because they bear one of the few true-blue flowers of any perennial. Not only are the species themselves superb, but many newer hybrids are destined to become garden staples.

One of the best cultivars -- if not the best -- is Amsonia ‘Blue Ice,’ which produces a low, tidy mound of small, willowlike dark-green leaves that turn bright yellow in fall. In late spring, clusters of star-shaped, dark lavender-blue blossoms adorn the foliage.

The species is native to eastern North America.

The Wisconsin Nursery Association’s Plant of the Year Program is honoring ‘Blue Ice’ as its Perennial of the Year in 2008. The program’s aim is to promote quality and underused plants to the public.

Questionable parentage

This long-blooming, compact amsonia was discovered in a seedling block of A. tabernaemontana at White Flower Farm in Litchfield, Conn. It is possibly a hybrid with the taxonomically challenged A. montana. Whatever its parentage, ‘Blue Ice’ flowers longer and stronger than the species.

‘Blue Ice’ is a significantly heavier bloomer, sporting deeper blue flowers.

Use amsonia in borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens or open woodland areas. It’s best when massed. The plant’s compact size also enables it to be used as an edging plant.

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Culture notes

‘Blue Ice’ is very easy to grow and hardy and drought tolerant once established.

‘Blue Ice’ grows best in dry to average, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, and can grow to 12-18 inches tall. Plants are adaptable to most conditions; however, if it is too shady they may topple over.

‘Blue Ice’ thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

The best fall foliage color usually occurs in full sun, but flowers generally last longer if given some afternoon shade in hot sun areas.

This compact cultivar does not need to be cut back after flowering and generally requires no staking or support.

‘Blue Ice’ looks fantastic in a gallon.

There are no known serious insect or disease problems.

Specifics

Name: Amsonia ‘Blue Ice’

Common name: Bluestar.

Family: Apocynaceae.

Description: Perennial with willowlike dark-green leaves that turn bright yellow in fall. In late spring, star-shaped dark lavender-blue blossoms appear.

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

Landscape uses: Borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens or open woodland areas.

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Photo courtesy of Wisconsin Nursery Association

- Kevin Neal

June 2008