Amsonia 'Starstruck'

Amsonia 'Starstruck': A Wide Cloud of Sky-Blue Stars

Sky-blue starry clusters over wide green leaves on dark olive stems. 'Starstruck' is the plant that makes the rest of the border forget its lines. CAN WE GET A SELFIE?

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Amsonia hybrid (A. rigida × A. tabernaemontana)
• Common Name: Blue Star
• Height: 76–91 cm (30–36 in)
• Spread: 97–112 cm (38–44 in)
• Flowers: Clusters of sky-blue, star-shaped flowers
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May to June)
• Foliage: Fairly wide green leaves with paler midribs on dark olive stems, turning golden in fall
• Features: Heat and humidity tolerant
• Plant Patent: USPP 32,246

Where to Plant: Plant it in the middle of a border, as a low, shrub-like mass, or as a single specimen where it has room to spread out. It also suits rain gardens and pollinator plantings. It's a good choice for cottage and rural properties where deer visit.

Companion Plants: Platycodon 'Astra Pink' sits at the front with pink balloon flowers from June to August. Anemone 'Dainty Swan' adds white flowers at 46 to 61 cm right through to September. Baptisia Decadence® Deluxe 'Pink Truffles' stands behind at up to 140 cm with pink spikes in June and July. All three are happy in full sun or partial sun.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun in average soil that drains reasonably well. It tolerates poor to fertile soil. Water regularly through the first season, then during long dry spells. Full sun gives the densest habit and the best fall colour. After bloom, you can shear the plant back by about a third to keep it tight, though it's neat on its own. Cut it to the ground in late fall or early spring. Amsonia is long-lived and rarely needs dividing. If you do, do it in spring. The stems bleed a milky sap that can irritate skin. Gloves help.

History: 'Starstruck' was bred by Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, from a 2011 cross between a selection of Amsonia rigida and a selection of Amsonia tabernaemontana, both species from the southeastern United States. Compared with 'Storm Cloud', it is more compact, has wider leaves and blooms one to two weeks later.

Final Thoughts: It handles heat and humidity without breaking a sweat, and the deer keep their distance. Plant it in sun. AUTOGRAPHS AFTER THE SHOW.