Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Amsonia ciliata 'Halfway to Arkansas'
Halfway to Arkansas Fringed Bluestar

- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Height
- 2 to 3 feet
- Width
- 2 to 3 feet
- Flower color
- Pale blue
- Foliage color
- Silvery-green
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; occasional deadheading may be needed
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 5–9
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies
About this plant
Amsonia ciliata 'Halfway to Arkansas' is a compact perennial known for its airy, star-shaped, periwinkle-blue flowers that appear in terminal clusters during late spring to early summer. Its name suggests a diminutive form, and while it is more compact than the species, its leaves are slightly broader but shorter. This cultivar exhibits a graceful arching growth habit that makes it particularly appealing in sunny settings.
A notable feature is its autumn transformation, where its foliage turns a vibrant golden hue, often complemented by purple-brown highlights. Unlike its taller relatives, 'Halfway to Arkansas' demonstrates an excellent upright posture, even under the stress of heavy rain, making it both visually appealing and robust in garden settings. This selection hails from North America and thrives in regions with sunny to partially shaded conditions.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns · Astilbes
Design tip
The long summer show pairs well with plants that peak earlier, keeping one area interesting for months. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.
