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Amsonia

Amsonia

Amsonia 'String Theory' PP34419 (4) 1-gallons

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Amsonia

Amsonia hubrechtii Blue Star (4) 1-gallons

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Amsonia

Amsonia hubrichtii 'Bluestar' (25) BR Plants

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Amsonia

Amsonia 'Blue Ice' (25) BR Plants

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Amsonia

Amsonia 'String Theory' PP34419 (4) 1-gallons

Amsonia 'String Theory' PP34419 CPBRAF (4) 1-gallonsCommon Name: Blue Star People have loved 'Storm Cloud' and we are now pleased to offer a complementing threadleaf Amsonia to the Proven...

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Amsonia

Amsonia hubrechtii Blue Star (4) 1-gallons

Amsonia hubrechtii Blue Star (4) 1-gallonsCommon Name: Blue Star, Arkansas Amsonia This southern native has very narrow, needle-like leaves that line the stems like bottle brushes. Surprisingly,...

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Amsonia

Amsonia hubrichtii 'Bluestar' (25) BR Plants

Amsonia hubrichtii (25) Bare Root PlantsCommon Name: Blue Star, Arkansas Amsonia This southern native has very narrow, needle-like leaves that line the stems like bottle brushes. Surprisingly, they...

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Amsonia

Amsonia 'Blue Ice' (25) BR Plants

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...

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Amsonia‘s Zone, Characteristics and How to Use In The Landscape

Amsonia, also known as Blue Star, is a beautiful low-maintenance flowering perennial native to North America. They are known for their delicate star-shaped flowers that come in shades of blue and their attractive willow-like foliage. Here's a closer look at their characteristics and how to use them in your landscape:

Zones:

Amsonia varieties typically thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9, although some species can reach Zones 3 or 10. This means they can withstand winter temperatures as low as -30°F (-34°C) to as high as 30°F (-1°C). You can find your specific USDA Hardiness Zone by entering your zip code on the USDA website

Characteristics:

Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 1-3 feet tall
Spread: 2-3 feet wide
Foliage: Slender and needle-like or lance-shaped, depending on the species. Turns yellow in fall.
Flowers: Delicate, star-shaped flowers in shades of blue
Low Maintenance: Drought tolerant once established, disease and pest resistant
Deer Resistant: The milky sap deters deer from browsing

How to Use Amsonia in the Landscape:

Amsonia's versatility makes it a great addition to many different garden styles. Here are a few ideas:

Mass Planting: Plant Amsonia in drifts of 3-5 plants for a dramatic mass planting. This is a great way to create a sea of blue flowers in your garden.
Mixed Borders: Combine Amsonia with other perennials that bloom at different times for season-long color. Some good companion plants include daylilies, columbine, coreopsis, and ornamental grasses.
Butterfly Gardens: Amsonia's nectar-rich flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators. Plant it in a butterfly garden with other butterfly-friendly plants like milkweed, coneflower, and lantana.
Cut Flowers: Amsonia's delicate flowers make lovely cut flowers. They will last for up to a week in a vase.

Tips:

Amsonia prefers well-drained soil. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or sand before planting.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms.
Amsonia can be cut back by half after flowering to promote bushier growth.
Amsonia is a slow grower, so be patient and give it time to mature.

Amsonia Care Guide: Spacing, Water, Sunlight, Soil, and More

Amsonia, often called Blue Star for its vibrant flowers, is a low-maintenance perennial that rewards gardeners with beautiful blooms and attractive foliage. Here's a detailed guide to keep your Amsonia thriving:

Spacing:

Plant Amsonia 2-3 feet apart when placing them in your garden beds. This allows enough space for them to reach their mature size (typically 2-3 feet tall and wide) without overcrowding.

Water:

Newly planted Amsonia needs regular watering, about 1-2 inches of water per week, until established (usually within the first year).
Once mature, Amsonia is quite drought tolerant thanks to its deep taproot system. You'll only need to water during extended dry spells or periods of intense summer heat.
Avoid overwatering, as Amsonia doesn't like soggy soil and can develop root rot.

Sunlight:

Amsonia prefers full sun to partial shade.
Full sun exposure will encourage more blooms and maintain better foliage color. However, they'll tolerate some shade, especially in hotter climates.
In excessive shade, Amsonia may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.

Soil:

Amsonia is adaptable to various soil types but thrives in well-drained, rich soil.
If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or sand to improve drainage.
Amsonia tolerates slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (between 6.2 and 7.0).
Avoid planting Amsonia in highly fertile soil, as this can lead to weak and floppy growth.

Additional Care Tips:

Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilization: Amsonia is not a heavy feeder. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring is sufficient for most situations.
Pruning: After flowering (late spring to early summer), deadhead spent flowers to encourage new blooms. In late fall or early spring, you can cut the plant back to ground level for rejuvenation.

Remember:

Amsonia is a slow grower, so be patient and give it time to mature in your garden.
Amsonia is generally disease and pest resistant, making it a low-maintenance addition to your landscape.
The milky sap deters deer from browsing, making it a good choice for areas with deer problems.

With proper care, your Amsonia will bring you enjoyment for many years with its lovely blue blooms and graceful presence in your garden.

Amsonia’s Flower Colors, Forms, Bloom Time and Pollinators

Amsonia, the captivating Blue Star, offers more than just a singular blue hue. Let's delve into the delightful variations of its flowers, forms, bloom times, and the pollinators they attract:

Flower Colors:

While blue is the signature color, Amsonia boasts a range within that spectrum:

Pale Powder Blue: This delicate shade is often seen in Amsonia tabernaemontana varieties like 'Arkansas Blue Star' (Amsonia hubrichtii).
Light Periwinkle: 'Storm Cloud' Amsonia tabernaemontana is a popular cultivar with this charming periwinkle blue.
Deep Lavender Blue: Amsonia illustris, the Ozark Bluestar, features bolder, deeper lavender blue blooms.

Flower Forms:

Amsonia's consistent characteristic is its star-shaped flowers, but there's a subtle difference in size:

Small and Delicate: Species like A. tabernaemontana and A. hubrichtii have these dainty star-shaped blooms, typically ¾ inch across.
Larger and Showy: A. illustris boasts larger, more prominent star-shaped flowers that can reach up to 1 inch in diameter.

Bloom Time:

Amsonia generally graces gardens with its floral display in late spring to early summer, lasting for 3 to 4 weeks. The specific timing can vary slightly depending on the species and climate.

Early Bloomer: Amsonia tabernaemontana and A. hubrichtii tend to be on the earlier side, blooming in late spring (April-May).
Midsummer Show: A. illustris blooms a bit later, putting on its floral display in midsummer (June-July).

Pollinators:

Amsonia's nectar-rich flowers are a delightful invitation to a variety of pollinators, bringing life and color to your garden:

Butterflies: The vibrant blue flowers attract butterflies like Monarchs, Swallowtails, and Fritillaries.
Hummingbirds: These tiny, buzzing jewels are frequent visitors, sipping nectar from the star-shaped blooms.
Bees: Honeybees and bumblebees play a vital role in Amsonia's pollination, ensuring continued blooms year after year.

So, Amsonia offers more than meets the eye! With its range of blue hues, delicate or bold star-shaped flowers, and extended bloom time, it's a magnet for pollinators, making it a beautiful and ecologically beneficial addition to your garden.

Amsonia’s Latin Name Pronunciation, Common Names and Botanical Names

Amsonia, the Blue Star, boasts not only beautiful flowers but also interesting names. Let's explore its pronunciation, common names, and botanical names:

Latin Name Pronunciation:
- Amsonia is pronounced "am-SO-nee-uh".
- The "so" sounds like the "so" in "sofa," and the "nee" sounds like the "ee" in "feet."
Common Names:
- Amsonia is most commonly known as Blue Star. This aptly describes the star-shaped flowers in various shades of blue.
- Other less common names include Arkansas Bluestar, Willowleaf Bluestar, and Eastern Bluestar. These names may refer to specific species or growing regions.
Botanical Names:
- Amsonia is the genus name, encompassing all the different Amsonia species.
- Each species within the genus has a specific epithet following the genus name. Here are some common Amsonia species:
  - Amsonia tabernaemontana: This is the most common species, often referred to as the Eastern Bluestar or Arkansas Bluestar.
  - Amsonia hubrichtii: Closely related to A. tabernaemontana, sometimes called Arkansas Bluestar.
  - Amsonia illustris: The Ozark Bluestar, known for its larger and showier flowers.

So, now you can not only appreciate Amsonia's beauty but also confidently discuss its various names and their pronunciation.

Amsonia’s Critter, Pest and Disease Resistance

One of the most endearing qualities of Amsonia, besides its stunning blooms, is its resilience against critters, pests, and diseases. Here's why Amsonia is considered a low-maintenance champion in the garden:

Critter Resistance:

Deer Deterrent: Amsonia's milky sap acts as a natural defense mechanism. Deer find this sap distasteful and will typically avoid browsing on Amsonia plants.

Pest Resistance:

Generally Pest-Free: Amsonia is not particularly attractive to common garden pests like aphids, beetles, or caterpillars. This reduces the need for harsh insecticides in your garden.

Disease Resistance:

Disease-Fighter: Amsonia boasts an impressive resistance to most fungal and bacterial diseases that can plague other perennials.

However, there are two minor exceptions to this disease resistance:

Mycosphaerella Leaf Spot: This fungal disease can cause small, brown spots on the leaves. It's usually not a serious issue and can be controlled by removing and destroying infected leaves.
Rust: This fungal disease is also uncommon and presents as orange or brown pustules on the leaves. Similar to leaf spot, removing infected leaves is the recommended course of action.

Overall:

Amsonia's natural defenses make it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. While occasional minor issues might arise, Amsonia's resilience keeps your garden looking beautiful with minimal intervention.

Bare Root Amsonia Planting

Planting bare root Amsonia is a great way to establish these beautiful perennials in your garden. Here's a guide to ensure a successful planting:

Timing:

The best time to plant bare root Amsonia depends on your climate:
- Fall Planting (ideal): In cooler climates (Zones 4-7), fall is the preferred planting time. This allows the roots to establish themselves before the winter ground freezes. Aim to plant anytime from late September to November before the ground freezes solid.
- Early Spring Planting: In warmer climates (Zones 8-9), you can plant bare root Amsonia in early spring, as long as the ground isn't frozen. Ideally, plant before new growth emerges on the Amsonia.

Preparing to Plant:

Hydrate the Roots: Before planting, soak the bare roots of your Amsonia in a bucket of water for several hours, ideally overnight. This hydrates the roots and prepares them for planting in the soil.

Planting:

Dig the Planting Hole: Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the root spread of the Amsonia. Aim for a depth slightly deeper than the original root crown.
Amend the Soil (optional): If your soil is heavy clay, amending the planting hole with compost or sand can improve drainage. Amsonia prefers well-drained soil.
Positioning the Amsonia: Carefully place the Amsonia in the planting hole, spreading the roots out evenly. Ensure the crown (the point where the roots and stems meet) is at or slightly above the soil level.
Backfilling and Watering: Fill the hole back in with soil, gently tamping it down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

Aftercare:

Watering: Water your newly planted Amsonia regularly, especially during the first few weeks or until established. Aim to provide 1-2 inches of water per week.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilization: Amsonia is not a heavy feeder. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring is sufficient in most cases.

Additional Tips:

Avoid planting bare root Amsonia during excessively hot or dry weather.
If planting in containers, ensure the pot has drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.

With proper planting and care, your bare root Amsonia will establish itself and reward you with beautiful blue blooms and attractive foliage for many years to come.

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Amsonia

Amsonia 'String Theory' PP34419 (4) 1-gallons

Amsonia

Amsonia hubrechtii Blue Star (4) 1-gallons

Amsonia

Amsonia hubrichtii 'Bluestar' (25) BR Plants

Amsonia

Amsonia 'Blue Ice' (25) BR Plants

Amsonia

Amsonia 'String Theory' PP34419 (4) 1-gallons

Amsonia

Amsonia hubrechtii Blue Star (4) 1-gallons

Amsonia

Amsonia hubrichtii 'Bluestar' (25) BR Plants

Amsonia

Amsonia 'Blue Ice' (25) BR Plants

Amsonia‘s Zone, Characteristics and How to Use In The Landscape

Amsonia Care Guide: Spacing, Water, Sunlight, Soil, and More

Amsonia’s Flower Colors, Forms, Bloom Time and Pollinators

Amsonia’s Latin Name Pronunciation, Common Names and Botanical Names

Amsonia’s Critter, Pest and Disease Resistance

Bare Root Amsonia Planting