Common Name: dwarf blue star
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Apocynaceae
Zone: 5 to 9
Height: 0.75 to 1.00 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 1.50 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Description: Sky blue
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Rain Garden
Flower: Showy, Good Cut
Leaf: Good Fall
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Deer, Drought, Clay Soil
Culture
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, loamy soils. Tolerates some drought. When grown in full sun, plants often require no pruning or staking. When grown in some shade and/or in rich soils, however, plants tend to become more open and floppy and often require staking or pruning. For a neater appearance, particularly for shade-grown plants, consider cutting back stems by 1/2 to 1/3 after flowering to promote bushy growth and, if desired, a more rounded foliage mound.
‘Short Stack’ is a dwarf variety that may not need to be cut back to retain a compact habit.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Amsonia tabernaemontana, commonly called eastern bluestar, is native to portions of the eastern and southern United States where it is found in moist woodlands, stream banks, slopes, ditches, and open fields. An erect, clump-forming plant which features terminal, pyramidal clusters of 3/4", soft light blue, star-like flowers in late spring atop erect, leafy stems growing 2-3' tall. Narrow, willow-shaped, dull green foliage may turn an attractive yellow in fall. Stems and leaves produce a milky latex when cut or torn which protects the plant from herbivory. The blooms are attractive to butterflies and other insect pollinators.
Genus name honors Dr. John Amson (1698-1765?), an English physician and amateur botanist who lived and worked in Williamsburg, Virginia during the colonial period.
Specific epithet honours Jakob Theodor von Bergzabern (d. 1590) who Latinized his name as Tabernaemontanus.
‘Short Stack’ is a dwarf variety of bluestar that typically grows to only 10” tall and to 18” wide. This cultivar was introduced into commerce by Plant Delights Nursery in North Carolina under the name Amsonia montana ‘Short Stack’. Some confusion exists as to whether Amsonia montana (typically small-leaved, low-growing forms of A. tabernaemontana) is a recognized separate species. It is listed herein as a cultivar of Amsonia tabernaemontana.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. May require staking to avoid flopping in overly rich soils or shady conditions. Rust may occur. Deer tend to avoid this plant.
Uses
Borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens, open woodland areas, rain gardens. Best when massed. Flowers can be used in fresh cut arrangements.