Photo of Amsonia rigida flower, foliage, form by Jon T. Lindstrom

Photo by Jon T. Lindstrom

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Amsonia rigida

Also Known As

  • Rigid Blue Star

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 30"-40"
  • W: 24"-36"

planting zones

  • 6a-9b

More Options

Amsonia rigida plant details

Amsonia rigida is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In spring and summer blue flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - 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 rigida

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: apocynaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 24 IN - 36 IN - wide, 30 IN - 40 IN - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring and summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Amsonia rigida

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - 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

A rare species of Bluestar which produces large loose clusters of blue star-shaped flowers in mid to late spring atop sturdy stems that are adorned with narrow deep green lanceolate foliage. A clump forming native perennial for average to moist garden soils. Received the highest possible rating of a 5.00 in the UGA 2011 trials!

Gardening facts about Amsonia rigida plant

How to Grow Amsonia rigida

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - 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

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

Landscape groups by tags

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 Eastern Blue Star

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-3'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Amsonia tabernaemontana foliage by Intrinsic Perennial Gardens
View Plant

More Options

+12 more Amsonia
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