Amsonia 'Storm Cloud'

Amsonia 'Storm Cloud': Dark Stems, Silver Veins, Blue Stars

Stems that come up almost black in spring, olive leaves with silver veins, then periwinkle stars break through. 'Storm Cloud' looks dramatic while being completely chill. ALL THUNDER, NO TANTRUM.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud'
• Common Name: Blue Star, Eastern Bluestar
• Series: A Proven Winners® perennial
• Height: 61–76 cm (2–2.5 ft)
• Spread: 97–107 cm (3.2–3.5 ft)
• Flowers: Clusters of periwinkle-blue, star-shaped flowers
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May to June)
• Foliage: Olive to dark green leaves with silver veins, on stems that emerge almost black in spring
• Features: Heat tolerant, moderately drought tolerant once established

Where to Plant: Give it room in the middle of a border, or use it as a low, shrub-like anchor among perennials. In summer, its fine texture sets off bolder neighbours. It's a good choice for native-style plantings, pollinator gardens and properties with deer pressure.

Companion Plants: Pair the dark stems and blue stars of 'Storm Cloud' with coral, orange and pink in a sunny bed. Paeonia 'Coral Charm' opens semi-double coral peonies at 90 cm in May and June, right alongside it. Lilium 'Orange Matrix' adds upward-facing orange lilies at 40 to 60 cm in June and July. Monarda Sugar Buzz® 'Pink Frosting' brings pastel pink bee balm at 35 to 40 cm in July and August. Miscanthus 'Morning Light' stands behind at 120 to 150 cm with fine, silver-edged blades.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun in average, well-drained soil. Full sun keeps it dense and upright. Too much shade makes it open up and lean. Water regularly through the first season. After that, water only during extended dry spells. If you want a tighter shape, cut the stems back by about a third after flowering. Cut the plant to the ground in late fall, or leave it standing and cut it in early spring. Amsonia is long-lived and seldom needs dividing. Wear gloves when cutting, since the milky sap can irritate skin.

History: 'Storm Cloud' is a selection of Amsonia tabernaemontana, a blue star native to the eastern and southeastern United States, and it was discovered growing wild in Alabama. The cultivar name refers to its very dark spring shoots.

Final Thoughts: Heat, dry spells and nibbling deer barely register. Plant one where you can see it every morning. SUNSHINE IN DISGUISE.