Photo of Amsonia tabernaemontana foliage by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens

Photo by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Amsonia tabernaemontana

Also Known As

  • Eastern Blue Star

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Amsonia tabernaemontana plant details

Amsonia tabernaemontana is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer blue flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, alkaline, average, clay, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Amsonia tabernaemontana

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: apocynaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in summer
Uses: cutting garden, fall color

GROWING CONDITIONS for Amsonia tabernaemontana

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and humidity
Soil needs: acidic, alkaline, average, clay, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Clusters of pale-blue ?stars? and bushy foliage with yellow fall color make this dependable 2-3' clump-former a good choice for a border. S/M/GDr
Wider leaves, bright blue flowers
Treasured for its charming sky blue flowers, Common Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana) is a spring blooming beauty. Long-lived and adaptable, it grows in medium to moist soil, in full sun to partial sun. A woodland native with a range from Illinois to New Jersey and south to Texas and Florida, it is hardy to Zones 3 - 8.
This native of the eastern United States prefers moist to damp soils. It is clump forming, leaves are 1/3rd as wide as they are long, 1-2½", and a nice green. Flowers of light blue grace the stems from spring to early summer.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Tough perennial for full sun or light shade. 2' tall x 2' wide with star shaped, true blue flowers in early summer. Foliage is attractive and turns a bright yellow in the fall. Long lived and carefree. Most soils; very low maintenance (but looks almost manicured

Gardening facts about Amsonia tabernaemontana plant

How to Grow Amsonia tabernaemontana

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • alkaline
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Amsonia for your garden

aka Amsonia hubrechtii, Amsonia hubrictii, Arkansas Blue Star, Thread Leaf Blue Star

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 12"-36"

Width: 12"-36"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Amsonia hubrichtii foliage by Far Out Flora
View Plant

aka Amsonia 'Blue Ice', Amsonia tabernaemontana WFF

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 12"-24"

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Blue Ice' flower by Karl Gercens III
View Plant

aka Amsonia eastwoodiana, Woolly Amsonia, Wooly Bluestar

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

6b-10b

Size

Height: 8"-24"

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Amsonia tomentosa flower, foliage, form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Amsonia montana 'Short Stack', Dwarf Blue Star, Short Stack Blue Star

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 8"-12"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Short Stack' buds by Kristine Paulus
View Plant

aka Colorado Desert Blue Star, Jones' Bluestar

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 8"-14"

Width: 12"-15"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Amsonia jonesii foliage by Panayoti Kelaidis
View Plant

More Options

+12 more Amsonia
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved