Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Amsonia orientalis 'Blue Ice'
Blue Ice Bluestar
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Height
- 12 to 18 inches
- Width
- 18 to 24 inches
- Flower color
- Pale periwinkle blue
- Foliage color
- Green
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; requires occasional pruning and division
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 4 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts butterflies
About this plant
Amsonia orientalis 'Blue Ice' is a compact perennial prized for its clusters of star-shaped, periwinkle blue flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are held above attractive, lance-shaped green foliage, creating a beautiful display of color. As the season progresses, the foliage turns golden yellow in the fall, adding seasonal interest to the garden.
Originating from southeastern Europe, 'Blue Ice' is a more compact and floriferous variety of Amsonia, known for its soft blue blooms and neat growth habit. It's an excellent choice for borders, cottage gardens, or mixed perennial beds, where its long-lasting blooms and autumn foliage add beauty and structure throughout the growing season.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Japanese anemones · Bleeding hearts · Catmint · Heucheras · Lady's mantle · Hellebores
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 in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
