Description

The soft blue flowers of this plant are a welcome sight in spring! Amsonia tabernaemontana is an upright, clump-former with blackish-gray stems that contrast beautifully with narrow, oval, willow-shaped light to medium green leaves. Clean leaves age to a golden-yellow in fall. Clusters of star-shaped, periwinkle blue flowers top the stems. ‘Blue Ice’ is similar in appearance to A. tabernaemontana but is more compact with a darker blue flower. Per the Missouri Botanical Garden, although ‘Blue Ice’ was reportedly discovered growing with A. tabernaemontana seedlings in a greenhouse at White Flower Farm, the parentage has apparently not yet been definitively determined. Tolerates some drought but prefers moist soils. Plant in a happy group for season-long weed suppression. Tends to flop in shade. For a neater appearance, particularly for shade-grown plants, consider cutting back stems by 1/2 to 1/3 after flowering to promote bushy growth and, if desired, a more rounded foliage mound. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Height: 1-1.5 ft. Spread: 1.1.5 ft. Growth rate: 8-12″ in two years; 18-22″ in 4-5 years Family: Apocynaceae Bloom time: May Sun: full sun to part shade Water: medium Deer resistant photo credit: cultivar413