Blue Star Amsonia or Blue Dogbane is an excellent low-maintenance perennial for moist, fertile soils. Good for cutting; if using in arrangements, be sure
and sear the base of the stems to prevent them from "bleeding".
Blooming in early summer, their light blue ½ inch star-like flowers are borne terminally in pyramidal clusters. Blue Star is similar and related to
Rhazya orientalis, but much hardier.
The glossy 3-6 inch hairless leaves are slender, lance-shaped and usually arranged alternately along the stem. Their pale midribs stand out against the
darker green of the blades. The strong, erect, upright stems form a nice stiff clump.
Use Amsonia in your perennial beds and borders, or cutting gardens. They are also suitable for naturalizing, and may self-sow.
Other suitable species for your gardens include, A. salicifolia, A. ciliata, A. hubrectii, & A. ludoviciana.
