Name:  Amsonia hubrichtii aka Threadleaf Blue Star

Type of Plant: A native perennial that flowers in early June on Cape Cod. Growing to about 3’ tall and 4’ wide, this plant grows best in full sun.

Why I Love This Plant: First of all, I love the soft, grass-like foliage that is attractive from April to November. I like the pale-blue flowers in the early summer, and the brilliant yellow foliage in the late fall. I like the fact that several pollinators enjoy the nectar in the flowers, and that this Amsonia is drought tolerant.    

A Word to the Wise:  This perennial looks best when planted in groups of 3 or more. If you have a spot that gets hit by the setting sun in November, plant some there because the fall foliage on this blue start will light up!

There aren’t that many perennials that are valued for their fall color alone, but Amsonia is one of that group. 

The fine foliage and very light blue flowers contrast nicely with a Physocarpus with colorful foliage. This one is Center Glow, behind the bluestar plants.

Here is the threadleaf bluestar in the garden. It is flowering at the same time as the Deutzia Chardonnay Pearls, a shrub with white flowers and yellow foliage, and a Rhododendron. Also in this photo are some yellow hakon grass and the foliage of a Verbascum Olympicum. 

The fall foliage of this Amsonia is especially lovely when lit by the setting sun in early November.