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Common Name: blue star
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Apocynaceae
Zone: 5 to 8
Native Range: South-central United States
Garden Location: Kemper Center Landscape, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Flower Borders, Lois Whiteside Franklin Flower Trial Garden, Jordan Charitable Foundation Ornamental Shade Garden and Overlook
Height: 2 to 3 feet
Spread: 2 to 3 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Color: Blue
Bloom Description: Powdery blue
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Good Fall Color
Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Deer
Uses: Rain Garden
Culture
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best fall foliage color usually occurs in full sun, but flowers generally last longer if given some afternoon shade in hot sun areas. Stems tend to open up and flop in too much shade, however. Consider cutting back the stems by about 6" after flowering to help keep stems upright and to shape plants into a nice foliage mound.
Noteworthy Characteristics
This bluestar (sometimes commonly called Arkansas amsonia or Hubricht's amsonia) is an uncommon perennial that is native to the Ouachita Mountains in central Arkansas. It is very similar in appearance to the Missouri native Amsonia ciliata, except the leaves of A. hubrichtii are more narrow and thread-like and the emerging foliage lacks conspicuous hairiness. An erect, clump-forming plant that is primarily grown in cultivation for its blue spring flowers, feathery green summer foliage and golden fall color. Powdery blue, 1/2" star-like flowers appear in terminal clusters in late spring atop stems rising to 3' tall. Feathery, soft-textured, needle-like, alternate leaves are bright green in spring and summer, but turn bright gold in autumn. From a distance plants have an almost lily-like appearance. This species was named after Leslie Hubricht who first discovered it growing in the wild in the early 1940s.
Plant of Merit
Star-shaped, powdery blue flowers bloom in clusters in spring atop generally upright stems densely clothed with feathery, soft-textured, almost thread-like leaves. The unique foliage remains bright green throughout summer, but changes to a stunning gold in fall. Foliage clumps grow to 3 feet tall, with stems cascading as the season progresses. Mass or group for best foliage display. Easily grown in borders, open woodland areas and native style gardens.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Plants may flop, particularly if not cut back after flowering.
Garden Uses
Borders, rock gardens, native plant garden, cottage garden or open woodland area. Best when massed.