Amsonia 'Blue Ice'

Amsonia 'Blue Ice': A Compact Gem with Cool-toned Charm

With its tidy form and rich spring colour, Amsonia 'Blue Ice' offers a refined take on the native bluestar. Dense clusters of deep periwinkle-blue, star-shaped flowers emerge in mid-spring above compact mounds of glossy green foliage. As the season progresses, its polished form adds structure and softness to the front of borders, and in fall, the foliage shifts to warm golden-yellow. A smaller, more intensely coloured alternative to taller Amsonia species, ‘Blue Ice’ is easy to grow, deer resistant, and reliably attractive from spring through fall.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 30–40 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, forming a dense, mounded clump
• Flower Colour: Deep periwinkle-blue
• Flowering Period: Mid to late spring
• Foliage: Lance-shaped, dark green leaves that turn golden-yellow in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade (best fall colour in full sun)
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; tolerant of average to dry conditions

Uses and Benefits: 'Blue Ice' is a versatile choice for small gardens, edging, or the front of perennial borders. Its compact habit, subtle flower colour, and reliable foliage make it a valuable companion to both bold and delicate perennials. Low maintenance and deer resistant, it offers multi-season interest with little effort—ideal for formal and naturalistic designs alike.

Companion Plants: Pair 'Blue Ice' with Salvia nemorosa 'Violet Riot' for vibrant contrast and extended bloom time. Add Coreopsis 'Sassy Saffron' to bring a golden accent that echoes Amsonia’s fall colour. For late-season impact and pollinator value, include Echinacea 'Kismet Raspberry', whose bold magenta blooms create a rich, textured composition from spring through summer.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment. Once mature, 'Blue Ice' is drought tolerant and requires minimal care. Cut back in late fall or early spring. Divide every few years to maintain vigour and shape.

History: Amsonia 'Blue Ice' is believed to be either a selection of Amsonia tabernaemontana or a naturally occurring hybrid. It stands out for its deeper blue flowers and compact, upright habit—traits that have made it popular in modern garden design. Introduced for its garden-friendly scale and refined presence, it remains one of the best bluestars for smaller spaces.

Final Thoughts: With its rich blue blooms, glowing fall foliage, and compact form, Amsonia 'Blue Ice' delivers elegance in every season. A dependable and understated performer, it brings cohesion, texture, and colour to sunny borders with minimal effort.