Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia

Amsonia salicifolia forms an attractive vase-shaped clump with willow-like leaves that turn a nice yellow in fall. In spring it is adorned with clusters of pale blue star-shaped flowers that are visited by pollinators. It is easy to grow and deer and rabbit resistant.

Height: 60-90 cm (2-3 ft)
Spread: 60-90 cm (2-3 ft)
Cold Hardiness: Zone 4-8
Sun or Shade: minimum 4 hours of direct sun
Bloom Time: late spring to early summer
Leaf Colour: green
Bloom Colour: blue
Critter Resistance: deer and rabbits
Nature Attraction: bees and other small pollinators

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Willow Leaf Bluestar is native to moist sites but it is adaptable to well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. It will grow in both clay and sandy soils and is somewhat drought tolerant once established. If grown in shadier conditions the stems may tend to flop over and should be cut to 1/2 their height after flowering to promote bushier growth. Bluestar is useful in native/pollinator gardens. It can be sited in moist sites such as rain gardens or edges of waterways as well as drier sites.