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: Blue
Berry / Fruit Color: None
Spring Foliage Color: Dark Green, Black
Summer Foliage Color: Dark Green
Fall Foliage Color: Gold, Yellow
Evergreen Foliage: No
Winter Interest: Some
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
Height: 2' - 3'
Width: 2' - 3'
Growth Rate: Medium
Service Life: Long: 5-10 years
Maintenance Need: Low
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, North 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 Blooming Season, Long Lasting Fall Color, Exceptional / Colorful Foliage
Special Landscape Uses: Erosion Control
Possible Pest Problems: Foliage Disease
Plant Limitations: None
The species bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana) growing 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 East-central U.S. in open woodlands and sunny plains. Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud' is and improved selection with new stems emerge near-black with leaves that are very dark green with silver veins. The stems stay dark throughout spring contrasting the light periwinkle blue, star-shaped flowers that completely cover the foliage by late spring. Some reblooming may occur for many weeks afterward. Although the main interest of this plant is in spring, it maintains a great garden presence throughout the summer and fall. Its wide, mounded habit lends itself well to be used in place of shrubs in the landscape. In some years with high humidity and extra summer rainfall, the foliage gets diseased and should be cut back early. Provide planting location with good air circulation to avoid this small problem.