Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Blue Ice' (Blue Ice Star Flower)

This variety is more compact than the species with deeper blue flowers; lovely along borders or edges; an impressive statement in blue when massed.

Blue Ice Star Flower is an herbaceous perennial with a more or less rounded form. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Blue Ice Star Flower has blue star-shaped flowers at the ends of the stems from late spring to early summer, which are interesting on close inspection. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its narrow leaves are light green in colour. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous yellow in the fall.

Blue Ice Star Flower will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 20 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!