code: 938
This rarely seen perennial deserves better recognition
Family: Apocynaceae
Common name: Rhazya, Eastern Bluestar
Plant Classification: Hardy perennial
Minimum Height: 60 cm
Maximum Height: 90 cm
Packet Content(approx.): 12
Starry clusters of elegant pale blue starry flowers appear from spring to midsummer. This rarely seen perennial deserves better recognition for its long flowering period and reliable performance as it grows happily in sun or dappled shade, coping well with drought.
Sowing advice:
For best results, sow seeds immediately onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. They can be sown at any time, and germination can sometimes be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. However, we sow most seeds in an unheated greenhouse and wait for natural germination as many seeds have built-in dormancy mechanisms, and often wait for spring before emerging regardless of when they are sown. But spring sowing will obviously give them a full season of growth if successful germination occurs.
Information:
Native Range: Central United States
Bloom Time: May
Bloom Description: Blue
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Rain Garden
Flower: Showy, Good Cut
Leaf: Good Fall
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.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Amsonia tabernaemontana, commonly called bluestar, is a Missouri native herbaceous perennial which occurs most frequently in rich, open woods and thickets in the southwestern part of the State. 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.
Uses
An easy-to-grow plant which is best massed in informal settings such as native plant gardens, shade gardens or open woodland areas. Also appropriate for borders or containers.
