Bluestar

Amsonia tabernaemontana

$16.00

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 3-9

This is the Amsonia most familiar to gardeners. This Bluestar has broader oval leaves and the blue star shaped flowers at the ends of the stems typical of the Amsonias. It grows well in deep moist soil in partial shade. Alan Armitage in Herbaceous Perennial Plants says: "Blue star flower is always on my list of 'no brainers.' Plant and get out of the way." This species is native to Eastern U.S.

Photos courtesy of James Reveal

Plant Specs
  • Zones: 3 - 9
  • Sun: Full Sun and Part Shade
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Height at Maturity: 2 - 3 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 2 - 3 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

Deciduous

Flower/Foliage

Flower Structure: Amsonia tabernaemontana produces star-shaped flowers with five pale blue petals. The flowers are small, about 1/2 inch across, and are arranged in loose clusters called terminal panicles at the ends of the stems.

Blooming Season: Blooms in late spring to early summer, typically from May to June.

Fragrance: The flowers are not particularly fragrant but are valued for their ornamental beauty.

Visual Impact: The pale blue flowers create a striking contrast against the fine-textured, bright green foliage, adding visual interest to gardens.

Sky blue, spring

Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

Sunlight: Amsonia tabernaemontana thrives in full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, partial shade during the hottest part of the day can help prevent leaf scorching.

Soil: This plant prefers well-drained, loamy soil but is adaptable to a range of soil types, including clay. Amsonia tolerates poor soils but performs best in rich, organic soil.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the first growing season to help establish strong roots. Once established, Amsonia tabernaemontana is moderately drought-tolerant, requiring only occasional watering.

Fertilization: Fertilizing is not generally necessary. If your soil is particularly poor, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can give it a boost.

Pruning: After flowering, cut the plant back by about one-third to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from flopping over. In late fall or early winter, the foliage may die back and can be cut to the ground.

Propagation: You can propagate Amsonia by division in early spring or by seed. Seedlings may take a few years to mature and bloom.

Pests and Diseases: Amsonia tabernaemontana is generally pest and disease-free, making it a low-maintenance plant.

Winter Care: It is hardy in USDA zones 3-9 and does not require special winter protection in most areas. Simply cut back dead foliage after the first frost.

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.