Species blue star
Blue-white flowers, green stems and green leaves.

blue star

Amsonia ciliata

The blue star (Amsonia ciliata) is truly a sight to behold. This phenomenal plant is a little-known native to much of the United States and Upper Midwest, but its beauty is truly remarkable. In the springtime, bright blue star-shaped flowers line up in an elegant show along its wispy, grey-green foliage. These blooms last for weeks and pair wonderfully with other perennials for a breathtaking garden. Amsonia ciliata is a durable and reliable bloomer, resilient to harsh midwestern climate changes, and its low-maintenance requirements make it ideal for gardens old and new. Its stunning hues of blue will surely light up any flower bed.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Pale blue Flowers In Spring

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Blue Stars like to stay evenly moist, but not too wet or dry. Water the soil when it's just started to dry out, typically every week or 2. The best way to determine how often the soil should be watered is to stick your finger into it. If it's dry up to your second knuckle, it's time to water. During the active growth period of the plant in the spring, summer, and early autumn, increase watering if you do not experience regular rainfall. Avoid overwatering in the winter as this can cause the plants to rot.

sunlight

Blue star (Amsonia ciliata) plants should be planted in a location which receives full sun for most of the day. It prefers 8-10 hours of sunlight a day, which is best during the morning or early afternoon. If the sunlight is too intense during the middle of the day, it can be beneficial to provide some natural shade such as by a deciduous or evergreen tree.

pruning

Blue star (Amsonia ciliata) should be pruned after flowering in the summer months. Pruning should be done in moderation to prevent damage to the shrub. Cut back any stems that have grown too long or appear spindly by about 1/3. In addition, dead or damaged stems should be removed. To maintain a compact form, prune any non-flowering stems as needed. Pruning after flowering is the best time to do so because it will encourage new growth and promote repeat flowering for next season.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Amsonia ciliata typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Amsonia ciliata typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map