Product Description
Amsonia 'Blue Ice' (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Blue Star
Navy blue buds in late spring, open to clusters of periwinkle blue, star-shaped flowers. Larger than the species it is also more compact and produces darker blue flowers. The narrow, willow-shaped, foliage turns a rich shade of yellow in fall. Amsonia adds a billowy, finely textured element to the landscape. It grows into a dense mass, much like a small shrub.
'Blue Ice' is a selected seedling from A. tabernaemontana which is native to North America. Herbaceous perennial, an erect, clump-forming, compact cultivar does not need to be cut back after flowering, and generally requires no staking or support when grown in full sun to part shade.
Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil, it prefers moist, loamy soils. Low-maintenance, easy to grow and trouble-free, Amsonia thrives in most gardens with little care. If grown in too much shade or very rich soil, its habit will be open and floppy. This plant grows fairly large but it will not need to be divided for many years. Cutting the stems back to within 6 to 8 of the ground after flowering will result in fuller growth. Parentage: A. tabernaemontana seedling.
Height: 12.0-16.0 Inches
Spread: 18.0-24.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Blue shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average to Consistent Water Needs
Poor to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Spring - Early Summer
Deer Resistant
Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Mass Planting
Amsonia 'Blue Ice', commonly known as Blue Star, is a perennial that forms compact clumps and offers captivating beauty with minimal upkeep. It is a top choice for gardens due to its stunning periwinkle blue, star-shaped flowers that bloom in late spring, attractive foliage throughout the summer, and vibrant golden-yellow fall color. This delightful plant truly shines with its multi-season interest and adaptability.
Amsonia 'Blue Ice' is an herbaceous perennial with a generally rounded form. It typically reaches a height of 12 to 16 inches and spreads 18 to 24 inches wide. This slow-growing plant has a long lifespan, often thriving for around 20 years under ideal conditions. As a herbaceous perennial, it dies back to the crown each winter and reliably returns with new growth in the spring.
This cultivar was reportedly discovered growing among Amsonia tabernaemontana seedlings in a greenhouse at White Flower Farm. While its parentage has not been definitively determined, it closely resembles A. tabernaemontana but boasts a more compact size and darker blue flowers.
Amsonia 'Blue Ice' is a valuable addition to pollinator gardens as it attracts butterflies.
- Flowers One of the most striking features of Amsonia 'Blue Ice' is its abundant display of periwinkle blue, star-shaped flowers. These blossoms emerge from dark blue buds in late spring to early summer and bloom for an extended period, considerably longer than other Amsonia varieties. The flowers are larger than those of the species and appear in clusters at the ends of each stem, creating a captivating visual effect.
- Foliage The foliage of Amsonia 'Blue Ice' is equally appealing. Its bright green, willow-shaped leaves provide an elegant backdrop for the vibrant blue flowers. As the seasons change, the foliage transforms into a rich golden-yellow hue, extending the plant's visual interest into the fall.
Care Requirements Amsonia 'Blue Ice' is a low-maintenance plant that thrives with minimal care. It is an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts.
- Sunlight This adaptable plant thrives in full sun to partial shade. When planted in full sun, it maintains a sturdy, upright habit and typically does not require staking or pruning. However, in shadier conditions, it may tend to flop and benefit from some support or pruning to maintain its shape.
- Soil Amsonia 'Blue Ice' prefers moist, well-drained soil with average fertility. It is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, and thrives in average to moist conditions. It is important to avoid overly rich soil, as this can lead to weak, floppy growth.
- Water While Amsonia 'Blue Ice' prefers consistently moist soil, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. During its first year in the garden, it is essential to water regularly, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Once mature, its deep taproot system allows it to withstand dry spells and periods of extreme heat with minimal supplemental watering.
- Fertilizer Amsonia 'Blue Ice' generally does not require much fertilizer. It prefers lean conditions, and excessive fertilization can result in excessive growth and a less compact form. Applying a thin layer of organic compost around the base of the plant in spring is usually sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients.
- Pruning To maintain a neat and tidy appearance, Amsonia 'Blue Ice' can be pruned after flowering. Cutting back the stems by 30% to 50% helps to encourage bushier growth, prevent flopping, and maintain a desirable shape.
- Dividing Amsonia 'Blue Ice' can be propagated by division. To divide the plant, dig it up and separate the clumps into well-rooted sections using a spade or garden knife. Replant the divided sections in new locations or containers.
- Pests and Diseases Amsonia 'Blue Ice' is remarkably resistant to pests and diseases. It is rarely bothered by insects or diseases, making it a low-maintenance and worry-free addition to the garden.
- Other Care Deer tend to avoid Amsonia 'Blue Ice', preferring other tastier treats. This makes it a good choice for gardens that are prone to deer browsing. It is also important to note that this plant is sensitive to urban pollution and may not thrive in inner-city or urban streetside environments.
When handling Amsonia 'Blue Ice', it is advisable to wear gloves, as the plant's milky sap can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Amsonia 'Blue Ice' is a captivating perennial that offers a delightful combination of beauty and low-maintenance care. Its stunning blue flowers, attractive foliage, and vibrant fall color make it a standout in any garden. This adaptable plant thrives in a variety of conditions and is a valuable addition to pollinator gardens, attracting butterflies with their abundant blooms.
Amsonia 'Blue Ice' is well-suited for various garden styles, including cottage gardens, woodland gardens, and even formal settings. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller gardens or containers, while its spreading habit allows it to create beautiful drifts in larger landscapes.
Overall, Amsonia 'Blue Ice' is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a long-lived, reliable, and visually appealing perennial that requires minimal effort to maintain. Its beauty, adaptability, and value to pollinators make it a true gem in the gardening world.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
