Amsonia elliptica
An upright, clump-forming perennial bearing lance-shaped, glossy, bright green leaves, 3-7cm long, which turn golden-yellow and pink in autumn. Open panicles of star-shaped pale blue flowers are produced on upright stems in late spring and early summer, then again in September
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | Blue | Gold Yellow Pink | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Amsonia are clump-forming perennials with milky sap, lance-shaped leaves and terminal panicles of small, starry blue flowers in spring and summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China, Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist well-drained soil in full sun. Can tolerate periods of drought
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Divide in spring or early autumn. Root softwood or basal cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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