Georgia Gardener Newsletter Cool Plant: September 6, 2007
| Arkansas Blue Star |
| Amsonia hubrichtii |
|
|
| Fall Color | Spring Flowers |
Species Native Range: Arkansas and Oklahoma
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-9
Mature Size: 3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide
Exposure: Sun to light shade
Soil: Rich, well-drained
Ease of Culture: Easy
Arkansas Blue Star is a great perennial with its "fuzzy" foliage and blue flowers which appear in spring.
Even after the blooming has
stopped, the texture of this plant makes it very eye-catching. Come fall, the foliage turns a bright yellow then
orange before frost. This is one of the few perennials that has extremely showy fall color.
ABS prefers to grow in full sun to light shade. The blooming and fall color will be better in full sun. This is a very
drought-tolerant plant and as such prefers well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. It also does well in
rocky and sandy soils.
ABS makes a wonderful statement in a perennial bed or mixed with shrubs. Good companion plants include
Purple Muhly Grass, Roses, Mexican Sage, Autumn Sage, Asters, etc.
Because this plant has an irritating milky sap, it's deer-resistant. You might want to also wear gloves when cutting
it back for the season.
Sources
Nearly Native Nursery: Peachtree City
Pike Family Nurseries: multiple locations
Plant Delights Nursery: mail order
Randy's Perennials: Lawrenceville
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