bluestar Interesting Notes

Amsonia ‘Blue Ice’ is a brilliant spring blooming and compact Amsonia selection first discovered in a block of Amsonia tabernaemontana seedlings at White Flower Farm. The parentage to date is still unknown, although it is suspected to be a hybrid. Growing 12-15” tall and 18-24” wide, this is a tough-as-nails perennial blooming periwinkle blue in April and the coarse foliage turning golden yellow in fall. A perfect edging along a sidewalk, Amsonia ‘Blue Ice’ can take the heat and is deer-resistant.

Its one likely parent, Amsonia tabernaemontana, can be found in moist mesic woodlands, woodland glades and meadows from Texas to New York. A. tabernaemontana can tolerate a range of soil types in its native habitat and perhaps this is why ‘Blue Ice’ is so adaptable in designed settings. Color is best in full sun but the plant tolerates part-sun conditions in average, well-drained soils. In hot and humid climates, spring flowering is best prolonged when planted in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade.

A natural companion to grasses and deciduous shrubs, Amsonia ‘Blue Ice’ is one of our favorite cultivars of Amsonia. The spring blooms support early season pollinators while the foliage deters rabbits and deer. We even have success with ‘Blue Ice’ planted in our 4” deep SmartSlope® system on a south-facing, full sun green wall. While shrub-like in appearance, for best appearance, cut back Amsonia ‘Blue Ice’ to the ground in the late winter or early spring.

Amsonia 'Blue Ice' Growing and Maintenance Tips

Adaptable to most conditions; however, they may topple over if it is too shady. Very easy to grow, hardy and drought tolerant once established.

Good Substitutions

Amsonia hubrichtii

Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia