Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Amsonia hubrichtii
Arkansas Bluestar
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Height
- 2 to 3 feet
- Width
- 2 to 3 feet
- Flower color
- Pale blue, star-shaped
- Foliage color
- Bright green in spring and summer; turns golden yellow in fall
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Average; prefers well-drained soil
- Maintenance
- Low; tolerates poor soils and some drought
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and butterflies
About this plant
Amsonia hubrichtii, commonly known as Arkansas Bluestar, is a perennial native to the south-central United States, particularly Arkansas and Oklahoma. It produces clusters of soft, powdery blue, star-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer. The blossoms sit atop slender stems, creating a cloud-like effect that adds a delicate touch to the garden during its bloom period.
Beyond its flowers, Amsonia hubrichtii is known for its fine, needle-like foliage, which forms a billowing, feathery mound. In fall, the leaves turn a brilliant golden yellow, providing an elegant seasonal display. This combination of airy spring blooms and vibrant autumn color makes it a standout choice for adding multi-season interest to the landscape.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Lady's mantle · Hellebores · Hardy geraniums · Hostas · Ferns · Astilbes
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Center for Urban Horticulture.
