Eastern Bluestar, Amsonia tabernaemontana
Eastern Bluestar, Amsonia tabernaemontana
Eastern Bluestar, Amsonia tabernaemontana in autumn
Eastern Bluestar, Amsonia tabernaemontana
Eastern Bluestar, Amsonia tabernaemontana
Eastern Bluestar, Amsonia tabernaemontana
Eastern Bluestar, Amsonia tabernaemontana
Eastern Bluestar, Amsonia tabernaemontana in autumn
Eastern Bluestar, Amsonia tabernaemontana
Eastern Bluestar, Amsonia tabernaemontana
Eastern Bluestar
SALE | SAVE 15%
SKU: AM021269
Shipping:
Now shipping to zones 6-10.
Other zones shipping soon.
Other zones shipping soon.
Cannot Ship to:
AK, HI, GU, PR, VI, and CAN.More Information
Overview
Named for the pale blue, star-shaped flower clusters that spring to life atop its tall upright stems, Eastern Bluestar is a brilliant addition to native gardens. Narrow whorls of pointed leaves are attractive all summer, and in fall, the foliage turns a warm golden hue. This quick-growing, clump-forming plant adds attractive and unique texture and color to any garden or meadowscape, and is reliably critter resistant. Eastern Bluestar tolerates shady, moist areas and thrives in rain gardens.
key features
Botanical Name
Amsonia tabernaemontana
Advantages
Native, Bee Friendly, Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Beneficial Insects, Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Autumn Interest, Mass Plantings, Rain Gardens
Growing Zones
Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Light Requirements
Full Sun, Half Sun / Half Shade
Soil Moisture
Average
Mature Height
24-36" tall
Mature Spread
24-36" wide
Bloom Time
Early to mid spring
SKU
AM021269
Description
Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana) also known as Common Bluestar or Willow Bluestar, is a native species with a wide native range that includes most of the Eastern and Midwestern United States and along the Gulf Coast. Typically found in open woods and thickets, it thrives in average, well-drained soil and prefers moist, loamy soil. It can tolerate clay soil and even spells of drought. It’s a great choice for rain gardens. It performs best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade, though it may require staking if planted in shade. For a neater appearance and to prevent flopping, especially in shadier sites, plants can be cut back 1/2 to 1/3 after flowering, to promote denser growth and a more rounded mound of foliage. However, trimming will mean that the plants do not produce their seedpods.
Eastern Bluestar is especially beautiful when planted in naturalized gardens and meadowscapes, massed in garden borders, and open woodland areas. The flowers attract long-tongued insects, including Large Carpenter Bees and hummingbird moths, and Eastern Bluestar is one of several host plants for the Snowberry Clearwing moth. The foliage of Bluestar contains a toxic white sap, making it reliably deer-, rabbit- and herbivore- resistant.
Amsonia tabernaemontana is a winner of the Plants of Merit Award from Missouri Botanical Garden, selected for its outstanding quality and dependable performance for the lower Midwest.
Eastern Bluestar was featured as a Top Performer in a Mt Cuba Center Trial Garden Research Report. These reports evaluate native plants and related cultivars for horticultural and ecological value, highlighting the ecosystem services they provide.
