At the SBG, amsonia is one of our favorite double-duty native perennials, with its lovely blue spring flowers and brilliant fall foliage. Mount Cuba Center recently released the results of a ten-year trial of 20 species of amsonia, AKA bluestar, and guess what? Each of the studied varieties were found to be healthy, attractive plants with good value for both pollinators and gardeners.
Amsonia is great for sunny locations, and can be planted en masse for maximum impact, but also plays well with others in a mixed border. It attracts many bees and lepidoptera, and is a host plant for several butterflies and moths. Only one word of caution emerged from the trials–the commonly found cultivar “Blue Ice” is considered a form of the non-native Amsonia orientalis, and should be avoided by devotees of native plants.
With so many variations in size and textures, there’s sure to be an amsonia that’s perfect for your 2024 garden!
