Threadleaf Bluestar (Amsonia)
Perennial
- Interesting fine-textured foliage!
- Native perennial provides interest from spring through fall.
- Dramatic fall color.
- Attracts butterflies and caterpillars.
- Zones 5-8, sun/part sun, 3′ tall x 3' wide at maturity.
ZONE
EXPOSURE
HEIGHT
Description
Details
Common name: threadleaf bluestar
Zone: 5 - 8
Sun exposure: Full (6+ hrs/day) to part sun (4-6 hrs/day)
Height x width: 3' x 3' tall and wide
Flower color: Light blue
Foliage color: Green
Season of Interest: Spring through fall
Bloom time: Midspring
Features: Suitable for slopes, native, fall color, drought tolerant, deer resistant, container plants
Uses: Groundcover, edging, flower gardens, wildlife gardens, native plant gardens, rain gardens
How to Grow
Light: Flowers best in full sun (> 6 hours sun) but will tolerate part sun (4-6 hours sun) as well.
Water: Average moisture is ideal and will tolerate dry and wet conditions.
Spacing: 2 to 3 feet
Fertilizing: Not required, but if desired, fertilize with an all-purpose garden fertilizer in spring.
Winterizing: No special winter requirements.
Maintenance & pruning: This plant has a naturally petite habit, so pruning is not necessary. However, if you desire a more uniform shape, you can prune just after it's done flowering.
Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as "maximum spacing": if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:
Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:
Not sure just how many plants will fit in your garden? Our calculator gives you the exact amount of plants required for your space. Simply update the values and the calculator will re-calculate accordingly. Spacing information can be found in the 'How to Grow' tab on each plant's page.
These plants came in great shape - nice first year size. I planted them and the seem to be doing fine - watering them regularly to be sure they get well established. Cannot wait to see the color change in the fall. They do not look very spectacular yet - but they do look healthy. I will be eager to watch them grow in the next few years into a showcase perennial in my garden.
Just 'found' you this year and I'm a big fan!
The plants I received were very well packaged. They are doing very well and growing fast. Can’t wait to see what they look like when they “flower”.
Beautiful small young plants! I just planted them can't wait to see them grow and bloom!
New variety if Amsonia for me, but I love Blue Star’s long period if focal interest through at least three seasons. Excited to watch it develop. Well packaged and healthy when arrived.
I was very pleased with the packaging care that the plants arrived. The plants are top quality and the planting instructions were helpful. I can’t wait to see the plants as they mature
Always excellent plants from Great Garden plants
Arrived healthy and well packed
Top flight product and delivery. Beautiful plants.
Fast ship, well protected and healthy. Now just need time to grow up.
Amazing!
They appear to be very healthy
Thanks.
Threadleaf Bluestar
Plant arrived on time in great condition! Has already grown an inch or more. Will be ordering again.
Threadleaf Bluestar
Cute little plants seem to be doing well. I don't expect a lot of growth at this time. We shall see what spring brings!
awfull
Hello! We apologize you received your plants not up to our standards. As we try our best to provide exceptional service, some factors like shipping and handling are outside of our control, and issues like this can sometimes happen. Please email pictures of the plant to [email protected], making sure to put your order number and name in the subject line so that we may provide the best assistance possible. Rest assured, we do have a 60-day guarantee on all of our plants. If you received your plants within that timeframe, we will be happy to apply your warranty once we receive the pictures. Happy Gardening!
I ordered 5 of these plants 3 of are doing well. 2 are having issues. Especially one. I am concerned.
Hello! We're sorry to hear that you're having trouble with your new plants. Our horticulture team is always here to help out and provide guidance. Please email pictures of the plant to [email protected], making sure to put your order number and name in the subject line so that we may provide the best assistance possible. Rest assured, we do have a 60-day guarantee on all of our plants. If you received your plants within that timeframe, we will be happy to apply your warranty once we receive the pictures. Happy Gardening!
My Threadleaf Bluster was chosen because it is a perennial. Possibly since I got it in late June/ early July, it has not flowered at all, but appears delicate but healthy. Maybe next year it will flower?
Hello! When transplanting young plants from a nursery pot to a garden, the plant allocates more energy to root development instead of shoot development (above ground). It's important for them to develop a robust root system so they can actually absorb the nutrients and water in the soil around them. Then after their root system is more developed they'll invest in their shoots and flower development. They generally spend their first year growing roots in their new home, the second year they have more energy to put into growth, and the third year, they are growing and flowering vigorously. This applies to plants in the garden center as well as plants you purchase online. We hope this helps. Happy Gardening!
Very heathy and fluffy. Can’t wait until fall color
Arrived healthy and packaged well. Doing fine in the garden.
Great Garden Plants has the best plants out there. I've used many on-line garden centers, and you are the tops; both for healthy, full plants and your selection. The two Threadleaf Bluestar are no exception. Although I really missed the flowering due to the time of ordering, the greenery is beautiful and unique and no doubt the flowers will be great next year. Thank you, GGP.
Everything I ordered turned out great-so happy and will definitely order more!
is this poisonous to pets or rabbits or birds?
Threadleaf Bluestar is deer and rabbit resistant due to the latex sap within its stems and leaves so other animals will probably leave it alone as well. However, when it comes to the safety of our pets it's always best to consult a veterinarian since even non-poisonous plants can cause problems if ingested in large amounts.
How far apart should I plant them?
Hello! The recommended spacing for Threadleaf Bluestar is 2 to 2 feet apart.
Does it maintain foliage year round?
Hi there! Threadleaf Bluestar is a deciduous plant so it will lose its foliage in winter.
Should you cut a blue leaf theadleaf down in late fall?
This plant has a naturally petite habit, so pruning is not necessary. However, if you desire a more uniform shape, you can prune just after it's done flowering. You don't need to do anything special to winterize it, either.
When is the best time to prune these back if they are starting to get too tall and spreading into other parts of the perennial garden?
You could trim them back some throughout the majority of the summer as they are growing if you just want to knock them back a bit. Heavy pruning should be done in the late fall or just as new growth is coming up in the spring.