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Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Amsonia orientalis 'Blue Ice'

Blue Ice Bluestar

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

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.