Blue Star (Amsonia tabernaemontana)

common name:

Blue star, Eastern bluestar

scientific name:

Amsonia

tabernaemontana

Clusters of star-shaped blue flowers among green leaves in bright sunlight.

‘Storm Cloud’ blue star (Amsonia tabernaemontana) in full bloom in the Backyard Farmer Garden, April 2026

Image Creadit:

Trey Lamkins, Graduate Research Assistant

Blue flowers blooming among green leaves in sunlight.

Blue star (Amsonia tabernaemontana) is a durable, long-lived native perennial valued for its soft texture, seasonal interest, and adaptability. In spring, clusters of pale blue, star-shaped flowers emerge above upright stems, creating a delicate yet noticeable display. As the season progresses, its fine-textured foliage provides a lush, shrubby appearance that works well in mixed borders and naturalized plantings. In fall, the foliage turns a striking golden yellow, adding late-season interest.

Charecteristics

Plant type:

Herbaceous perennial

Hardiness Zones:

3, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 7, 8, 9

Light Needs:

Full Sun

Water Needs:

Moist

Space Requirements:

3–6 feet

Height Requirements:

2–4 feet

Spread Requirements:

3–4 feet

Bloom Color:

Blue

Bloom Time:

Spring

Leaf Color:

Green

Wildlife Attraction:

Butterflies

Companion Plant Tolerance:

Deer

Uses:

Naturalize

Varieties

Cluster of delicate, star-shaped blue flowers with green leaves in a sunlit garden.

'Storm Cloud'

‘Storm Cloud’ is a standout cultivar known for its dark stems and foliage, which emerge with deep purple to near-black tones before maturing to rich green. This dramatic contrast enhances the soft blue spring flowers, creating a bold ornamental display. It maintains a compact, upright habit and offers the same excellent fall color and durability as the species, making it a strong choice for modern landscape designs.