Download Amsonia Arkansas Blue Star

Frequently
Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE GROWTH CYCLE OF THESE LIKE?
Arkansas blue star’s delicate, soft willow-like foliage is
topped with pale blue star-shaped flowers in spring.
After blooming, it quickly grows to reach a height of
about 3 feet. The light green foliage looks good all
summer, turns a beautiful golden-yellow in fall, and
can stand through most of the winter, adding interest
especially when mixed with grasses and other attractive
seed heads.
HOW MUCH DO THESE GET CUT BACK AND WHEN?
Plants must be cut back in either the late fall or late
winter to about 8 inches from the ground. Remember
to wear gloves when working with Amsonia since stems
release a white sap. Though not required, cutting them
back again half way to the ground after flowering will
result in even fuller growth. This should occur in late
spring to early summer.
MY PLANTS LOOK A LITTLE FLOPPY?
Amsonia thrives in most gardens with little care. It is lowmaintenance, easy to grow and trouble-free. Plant it in
full sun or partial shade and moist soil of average fertility.
If grown in too much shade or very rich soil, its habit will
be open and floppy.
WHERE SHOULD THESE BE PLANTED?
Amsonia adds a billowy, finely textured element to
the landscape. It grows into a dense mass, much like
a small shrub. The cool blue flowers can be useful in
toning down adjacent flower colors. Arguably the best
feature of Amsonia is its fall color; the entire plant turns
a stunning shade of golden yellow. It makes an excellent
backdrop for fall-blooming perennials such as sedums
and garden mums.
CAN THESE BE GROWN IN CONTAINERS?
Rather than in the garden you may re-pot into large
containers. Re pot the plants into at least 15 inch pots
separately.
First Things First...
When your plant arrives from Roberta’s, remove
from the shipping box immediately.
Remove plastic bag and sleeve from around potted
plant(s). Discard any packing material clinging to
the leaves or soil. Pull away any yellow or brown
leaves that may have occurred during transit. If you
can not plant it into garden or larger pot within a
few days, make sure it stays well watered.
When ready to plant, do the job as early in the day
as possible to avoid extreme soil temperatures that
prevent proper water uptake from the roots. Water
them in well and whisper a few words of wisdom.
Amsonia
Arkansas Blue Star
(Amsonia hubrichtii)
quick reference
planting guide
light/sun exposure:
Full Sun to Part Sun
usda
hardiness zones:
4 to 9
plant type
Perennial
planting distance:
3 feet
mature height/spread:
bloom time:
3 feet
3 feet per plant
Late Spring - Early Summer by 2nd Season
planting instructions:
(soil preparation, depth,
which end is up, etc.)
Remove plastic bag and/or sleeve from
around potted plant(s). Transplant
into the garden as soon as evening
temperatures stay above 40F. Rather
than in the garden you may re-pot into
large containers.
Planting Guide
1
step
2
step
Remove plastic bag and/or sleeve from around potted
plant(s). Discard any packing material clinging to the
leaves or soil. Pull away any yellow or brown leaves or
spent flowers that may have occurred during transit. If
you cannot plant it into garden or larger pot within a
few days, make sure it stays well watered.
Transplant into the garden as soon as evening temperatures stay above 40F. Dig holes twice the width
of the root ball and about 5 to 6 inches deep. Place
them in their holes. Pack soil firmly around roots. Fill
with soil and pack in firmly covering entire root zone.
Water again. Plants prefer full sun to half day of sun.
3
Rather than in the garden you may re-pot into large
containers. Re pot the plants into at least 15 inch pots
separately or together inside one larger container.
4
Planted now they will produce flowers in late springearly summer.
step
step
Continuing Care
SHELF LIFE
Plant into garden or larger pots and place outside immediately
after the night temperatures stay above 40 degrees.
PLANT PREPARATION
Remove plastic bag and sleeve from around potted plant(s).
Discard any packing material clinging to the leaves or soil. Pull
away any yellow or brown leaves that may have occurred during
transit. If you cannot plant it into garden or larger pot within a few
days, make sure it stays well watered.
SOIL
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Amend clay type soils
with compost or potting mix.
GARDEN PREPARATION
Amsonia adds a billowy, finely textured element to the landscape.
It grows into a dense mass, much like a small shrub. The cool
blue flowers can be useful in toning down adjacent flower colors. Arguably the best feature of Amsonia is its fall color; the entire
plant turns a stunning shade of golden yellow. It makes an
excellent backdrop for fall-blooming perennials such as sedums
and garden mums.
POTTED PLANTS
Rather than in the garden you may re-pot into large containers.
Re pot the plants into at least 15 inch pots separately or together
inside one larger container.
PLANTING SPACING
If planting in garden space 3 feet.
PLANT HEIGHT AND WIDTH
These grow about 3 feet tall and wide.
WATER
Water upon planting and average watering in summer.
FERTILIZER
They respond to feeding with a high bloom fertilizer like Flower
Magic plant food (M7503). Once a month is sufficient.
TEMPERATURE ZONES 4 to 9
When nights stay above 40 degrees, place your plants outside
and leave them there. They can withstand winter temperatures to
minus 25F.
LIGHTING
In the summer growing season, full sun is the absolute best.
Otherwise a half a day of sun is sufficient.
BLOOMING
Under correct conditions, blooming begins in late spring to early
summer. The 1st year blooming starts a little later.
PRUNING
Arkansas blue star’s delicate, soft willow-like foliage is topped
with pale blue star-shaped flowers in spring. After blooming,
it quickly grows to reach a height of about 3 feet. Though not
required, cutting them back half way to the ground after flowering
will result in even fuller growth. This should occur in late spring to
early summer.
WINTER DORMANCY
Plants must be cut back in either the late fall or late winter to
about 8 inches from the ground. Remember to wear gloves when
working with Amsonia since stems release a white sap.
Additional Reference
Shipped
As Shown
Green foliage in
early season
Late Spring and
Early Summer blooms
Soft, willowy yellow
foliage in summer
Grows 3 feet tall
and wide
Stunning garden plant
Orange foliage
in fall
2015