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Herbaceous Perennial

Amsonia orientalis

eastern bluestar

A woody-based perennial with erect stems bearing narrowly lance-shaped leaves, and light or dark blue flowers 1-2cm across

Synonyms
Rhazya orientalis

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
Botanical 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
Greece to Turkey

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in a fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade and is fairly drought-tolerant

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Alternatively propagate by division in spring or root softwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Prairie planting
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut back in late autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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