‘Storm Cloud’ is a beautiful introduction from Proven Winners®. In spring, new stems emerge near-black with leaves that are very dark green with silver veins. The stems stay dark throughout spring. Light periwinkle blue, star-shaped flowers completely cover the foliage in late spring, and rebloom for many weeks afterward. Although the main interest of this plant is in spring, like all Amsonias it maintains a great garden presence throughout the summer and fall. Its wide, mounded habit lends itself well to be used in place of shrubs in the landscape. Younger plants will have more of a vase-like habit, but give this plant some space for when it reaches its mature size. This easy care, heat and humidity tolerant, deer resistant perennial is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for low maintenance or native perennials.
- Height: 60-76 cm (24-30 in)
- Spread: 96-106 cm (38-42 in)
- Cold Hardiness: Zone 4-9
- Sun or Shade: full sun to part sun
- Bloom Time: late spring
- Leaf Colour: dark green
- Bloom Colour: periwinkle blue
- Critter Resistance: deer
Growing and Maintenance Tips
Amsonia thrives in most gardens with little care. It is low-maintenance, easy to grow and trouble-free. Plant it in full sun or partial shade and moist soil of average fertility. If grown in too much shade or very rich soil, its habit will be open and floppy. This plant grows fairly large but it will not need to be divided for many years. Cutting the stems back to within 6-8" of the ground after flowering will result in fuller growth.