Photo of Amsonia ludoviciana by Almost Eden

Photo by Almost Eden

Used with permission, all rights reserved.

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Amsonia ludoviciana

Also Known As

  • Louisiana Bluestar
  • Sandhill Bluestar

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 18"-24"
  • W: 18"-24"

planting zones

  • 6a-9b

More Options

Amsonia ludoviciana plant details

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

CHARACTERISTICS OF Amsonia ludoviciana

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: apocynaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 18 IN - 24 IN - wide, 18 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in spring
Uses: clumping, easy-to-grow

GROWING CONDITIONS for Amsonia ludoviciana

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, average, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Light blue starry flowers are produced in pyramidal clusters atop the new stems in early to mid spring and are visited by butterflies and hummingbirds. Louisiana Bluestar is a rare and unusual Amsonia with large rounded velvety foliage with a silvery reverse. Unlike most other Bluestars it is short rhizomatous but is not invasive or aggressive and develops into a small tight colony of plants and stems. Also known as Sandhill Bluestar it is more tolerant of drier sites than other Bluestars once established. Easy and enjoyable.

Gardening facts about Amsonia ludoviciana plant

How to Grow Amsonia ludoviciana

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Wildlife

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

    • spring
  • 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 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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