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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Amsonia hubrichtii

Arkansas Bluestar

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Average; prefers well-drained soil

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.