Common Amsonia Varieties – Types Of Amsonia For The Garden
Amsonias are a collection of beautiful flowering plants that aren’t found in too many gardens, but are experiencing a little bit of a renaissance with so many gardeners’ interest in native North American plants. How many varieties of amsonia are there though? Keep reading to learn more about the many different types of amsonia plants.
How Many Different Amsonias are There?
Amsonia is actually the name of a genus of plants that contains 22 species. These plants are, for the most part, semi-woody perennials with a clumping growth habit and small, star-shaped flowers. Often, when gardeners refer to amsonias, they are talking about Amsonia tabernaemontana, commonly known as common bluestar, eastern bluestar, or willowleaf bluestar. This is by far the most commonly grown species. There are, however, many other types of amsonia that deserve recognition.
Varieties of Amsonia
Shining bluestar (Amsonia illustris) – Native to the southeastern U.S., this plant is very similar in appearance to the blue star species. In fact, some plants that are sold as A. tabernaemontana are actually A. illustris. This plant stands out with its very shiny leaves (hence the name) and hairy calyx. Threadleaf bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) – Native only to the mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma, this plant has a very distinctive and fascinating appearance. It has an abundance of long, thread-like leaves that turn a stunning yellow color in autumn. It is very tolerant of hot and cold, as well as a variety of soil types. Peebles’ bluestar (Amsonia peeblesii) – Native to Arizona, this rare amsonia variety is extremely drought tolerant. European bluestar (Amsonia orientalis) – Native to Greece and Turkey, this short variety with round leaves is more familiar to European gardeners. Blue Ice (Amsonia “Blue Ice”) – A short little plant with unclear origins, this hybrid of A. tabernaemontana and its undetermined other parent is probably native to North America and has stunning blue to purple flowers. Louisiana bluestar (Amsonia ludoviciana) – Native to the southeastern U.S., this plant stands out with its leaves that have fuzzy, white undersides. Fringed bluestar (Amsonia ciliata) – Native to the southeastern U.S., this amsonia can only grow in very well-drained, sandy soil. It is known for its long, thread-like leaves covered in trailing hairs.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
The only child of a horticulturist and an English teacher, Liz Baessler was destined to become a gardening editor. She has been with Gardening Know how since 2015, and a Senior Editor since 2020. She holds a BA in English from Brandeis University and an MA in English from the University of Geneva, Switzerland. After years of gardening in containers and community garden plots, she finally has a backyard of her own, which she is systematically filling with vegetables and flowers.
-
Why You Should Eat Invasive Plants – A Tasty Way To Control Unwanted Species
Eat invasive plants for nutrition and their amazing varied flavors, but be sure to properly identify the plant and know how to eat it.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Try These 7 Small Flower Bed Ideas For Big Blooms In Compact Corners
Looking for easy wins in your flower beds in the year ahead? Make room for these gorgeous small flower bed ideas – and you’ll see big results in the smallest spaces
By Tonya Barnett
-
Amsonia Perennials: Tips For Propagating Amsonia Plants
It is easy to get hooked on all that amsonia has to offer, and gardeners who grow it usually find themselves wanting more. If you are one of these gardeners wishing for more plants, click this article to learn how to propagate amsonia.
By Darcy Larum
-
Amsonia Transplant Guide: Tips For Moving Amsonia Plants
Amsonia is a favorite in perennial gardens but sometimes a plant may struggle in a certain spot and simply moving it to a new site can revive it. If you’ve found yourself asking “can you move an amsonia,” then this article is for you. Click here for tips on transplanting amsonia.
By Darcy Larum
-
Amsonia Cold Tolerance: Tips For Amsonia Winter Care
Amsonia winter care is not difficult. But some gardeners want to know: can you grow blue star plants in winter? Click on the following article for information about amsonia cold tolerance and amsonia winter protection.
By Teo Spengler
-
Sowing Blue Star Seeds - When And How To Plant Amsonia Seeds
Growing Amsonia from seed isn?t difficult, but it requires patience because germination is unpredictable and can be frustratingly slow. If you?re willing to give it a try, click on the following article to learn about Amsonia seed propagation.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Container Grown Amsonia Care – Tips On Keeping A Blue Star In A Pot
Amsonia plants offer both sky-blue blossoms and feathery green foliage that flushes to gold in autumn. Can you grow amsonia in a container? Yes, indeed, you can. Container-grown amsonia can light up your home or patio. Click this article for more information.
By Teo Spengler
-
Amsonia Plant Care: Tips For Growing Amsonia Plants
For those looking to add something unique to the flower garden as well as seasonal interest, consider growing Amsonia plants. Read this article to learn more about Amsonia plant care.
By Jackie Carroll