Amsonia Hubrichtii is True Blue Sustainable Perennial

Twenty-first century gardeners look for sustainable garden plants. Sustainable plants are long-lived, non-invasive, drought tolerant, and pest and disease resistant. They require fewer demands on garden resources such as pesticides, water, fertilizer, labor, up-keep, and replacement.

Arkansas Blue Star Shines

Amsonia hubrichtii, the Arkansas blue star is one herbaceous perennial matching sustainable plant criteria. Popularity of amsonia soared when native plant enthusiasts discovered its charms and designers flaunted the physical attributes en masse.

The Perennial Plant Association honored the plant as the 2011 Perennial of the Year for its low-maintenance, outstanding ornamental attributes through the seasons, and ease in growing across a wide range of climates.

Native Plant Amsonia Hubrichtii

The North American native plant Amsonia hubrichtii has terminal clusters of blue star-shaped flowers. The plant has been referred to as the ‚”Lillian Gish of Perennials” since the pale blue spring flowers resemble the delicate beauty of the star from the silent screen era.

A true blue flower is the most difficult flower color to find among perennials. Only a handful of choices are available. The blue hue adds serenity to a garden. Cool blue can tone down surrounding flower colors as well.

Amsonia Species and Common Names

Naturalist and mollusk expert Leslie Hubricht discovered the species which was named in his honor on a land snail expedition in Arkansas in 1942. Woodlanders Nursery in Aiken, South Carolina was the first to introduce the plant into cultivation. Woodlanders remains a key source for the plant.

Arkansas blue star is known by a number of other common names including willow blue star, thread-leaf blue star, narrow-leaf blue star, Arkansas amsonia, and Hubricht’s blue star.

Cultivation of Amsonia Hubrichtii

Amsonia is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial growing 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide. The plant adapts to sandy or clay soils and thrives in both acidic and alkaline conditions. Blue star flowers best in full sun or light shade on a well-drained site. Once established in the garden, amsonia is drought tolerant.

Low maintenance for this noninvasive native means no staking, no deadheading, no pinching and high pest and disease resistance. The foliage and stems contain a milky sap characteristic of its dogbane family heritage. The sap discourages predation by deer and other mammals.

Seasonal Interest of Arkansas Blue Star

Arkansas blue star ranks high in flawless floral and foliage display three seasons of the year in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. The spring cool blue blooms attract butterflies and bees. In summer the fine fernlike green foliage adds billowy texture to the landscape. Cylindrical pods form from spent flowers. Golden yellow autumn foliage rivals the most majestic maples. The soft and silky threadlike leaves are pleasing to the eye and to the touch.

Propagation of Amsonia Hubrichtii

Propagation is by seed in early spring or over winter. Cold is required for germination. Plants may also be propagated from stem cuttings in early summer. Root division in spring requires use of a heavy spade or hatchet since mature woody rootstocks are difficult to cut.

Sustainable Landscape Uses

Landscape designers recommend amsonia for woodland gardens, foundation plantings, wildflower meadows, native plant beds, cut flower gardens, cottage gardens, and sunny mixed borders. Rick Darke, author on sustainable landscapes, notes that by planting amsonia in great sweeps or masses one can define a space for decades.

Amsonia hubrichtii is a true blue sustainable perennial for the twenty-first century.