Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud'

Herbaceous Perennial

A herbaceous perennial forming a mound of simple stems of a distinctly dark colour. They bear slightly blue-green leaves which turn yellow in autumn. The flower buds are steely-blue and open to clusters of five-petalled blue stars in late spring to early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Apocynaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade and is fairly drought-tolerant

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or by softwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back in early winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free