Amsonia ciliata
fringed bluestar
A clump-forming perennial with pretty, pale-blue starry flowers arranged in terminal clusters on erect stems with narrow green leaves. Flowers in mid-spring (May/June). Foliage turns bright golden yellow in autumn.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Gold Yellow | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Amsonia are clump-forming perennials with milky sap, lance-shaped leaves and terminal panicles of small, starry blue flowers in spring and summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Central and SE USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moist but well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Will tolerate some drought
Propagation
Propagate by seed. Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Divide in spring. Root softwood or basal cuttings in early summer.
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut back in winter before spring growth emerges
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.