Plant Min Zone: 5a
Plant Max Zone: 9a
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun
Water / Rainfall: Average, High
Soil Quality: Average
Bloom Season: Spring
Flower Color: Blue
Berry / Fruit Color: None
Spring Foliage Color: Green
Summer Foliage Color: Green
Fall Foliage Color: Gold, Yellow
Evergreen Foliage: No
Winter Interest: Some
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: Low, Medium
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Medium
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: Slow, Medium
Service Life: Long: 5-10 years
Maintenance Need: Low
Spreading Potential: Low
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, North Exposure
Extreme Planting Locations: Top of Retaining Wall Locations, Resistant to Rabbits
Ornamental Features: Multiple Seasons of Interest, Fine Texture
Special Landscape Uses: Erosion Control
Possible Pest Problems: Foliage Disease
Plant Limitations: Susceptible to Iron Chlorosis
Shining bluestar (Amsonia illustris) grows up to 3 feet tall and prefers a medium to moist soil, but will tolerate a range of soils in light shade, including clay. "Once it's there, it's there forever" plant! Native to Central U.S. most frequently occuring in sandy or rocky soils on gravel bars or along streams. Because it tolerates periods of brief flooding, it is an ideal amsonia for the rain-garden. This is a great amsonia for foliage quality, bearing Narrow, willow-shaped, leathery, shiny green leaves.