Plant Min Zone: 5a
Plant Max Zone: 9a
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Water / Rainfall: Low, Average
Soil Quality: Average
Bloom Season: Spring
Flower Color: Light Blue
Berry / Fruit Color: None
Spring Foliage Color: Chartreuse
Summer Foliage Color: Chartreuse
Fall Foliage Color: Gold, Yellow
Evergreen Foliage: No
Winter Interest: Yes
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: Medium, High
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Low
Humidity Tolerance: Medium, High
Wind Tolerance: High
Poor Soil Tolerance: Rocky Soils, Sandy Soils, Clay Soils, Acidic Soil (low PH)
Height: 2' - 3'
Width: 2' - 3'
Growth Rate: Medium
Service Life: Very Long: 10-20 years
Maintenance Need: Almost Zero Maintenance
Spreading Potential: Medium
Yearly Trimming Tips: Trim Perennial to Ground in Early Winter After Hard Freezes: Some Winter Interest.
Plant Grouping Size: Specimen Planting of 1-3, Small Grouping of 3-5, Medium Grouping of 5-10, Mass Planting of 10 or more
Best Side of House: South Exposure, West Exposure, East Exposure
Extreme Planting Locations: Survives Severe Drought, Tolerates Extreme Heat, Top of Retaining Wall Locations, Resistant to Rabbits
Ornamental Features: Multiple Seasons of Interest, Long Lasting Fall Color, Fine Texture, Exceptional / Colorful Foliage
Special Landscape Uses: Erosion Control
Possible Pest Problems: None
Plant Limitations: None
Narrow-leaf Amsonia (Amsonia hubrichtii) is clump-forming plant that is primarily grown in cultivation for its feathery green summer foliage and golden fall color. Spring flowers are powdery blue rising on 3' stalks creating a compact dense willow-like bush. The blooming season is relatively short but the pinnately compound leaves offers lasting interest and a "Wow" factor. Rich golden fall color is long-lasting and dries remaining attractive deep into the winter. No deadheading is needed and the only maintenance is cutting the plant back each winter after the fall foliage is no longer attractive. In some years with high humidity and extra summer rainfall, the foliage gets diseased and should be cut back early. Provide planting location in full sun with good air circulation to avoid this small problem. The growth is so dense that no weeds have a chance of invading a mature stand of plants. Amsonia hubrichtii is relatively new to cultivation being discovered in Arkansas in 1942 but is hardy in zones 5-9. Combine with other summer or fall flowering plants like hardy hibiscus, crapemyrtle, or penstemon. Fine-textured foliage also combines well with dark foliage, larger leaves, and dark colored walls! Great for large-scale mass plantings needing something permanent. This is a true four-seasons long-lived perennial that belongs in almost every perennial garden. Butterscotch Amsonia (Amsonia hubrichtii 'Butterscotch') is like other Amsonia in general appearance, but with improved form, reddish stems, superior rich "butterscotch" fall color, and great resistance to tip dieback. Flower color is also slightly darker blue.