Blue Star (Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia)
am-SO-nee-ah tab-er-nay-mon-TAN-ah variety salicifolia

Deciduous Perennial Upright, Clump-forming, Vase in the Apocynaceae Family
 
Buy Blue Star
Size Notes Price Availability
#1 gallon Field $11.58 Likely available
2/6 - 2/16
4/3 - 4/6
5/1 - 5/4
70 Plugs Field $108.50 Likely available
2/6 - 2/16
4/3 - 4/6
5/1 - 5/4

 

Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia, commonly known as willow-leaf bluestar, is a distinct native perennial that offers both visual appeal and ecological benefits. This variety of the bluestar plant features slender, willow-like leaves that emerge in a soft, silvery-green hue in spring, transitioning to a deep green over the course of the growing season. In late spring to early summer, Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia produces clusters of delicate, sky-blue star-shaped flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. As autumn approaches, the foliage transforms into a stunning golden-yellow display before fading. Growing 2-3 feet tall and wide, this clump-forming perennial has an upright, well-behaved habit that makes it suitable for planting in borders, cottage gardens, and naturalized areas. Adaptable to a range of soil types and light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia is a low-maintenance addition that provides multi-season interest and valuable habitat for local wildlife. Its unique foliage, flowers, and fall color make it a standout choice for sustainable, native-focused landscape designs.

 

Plant Data

Mature Size 24 - 36 inches tall. 24 - 36 inches wide.
Growth Rate Moderate
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium
Zones 3a - 9b (Usually hardy to -40° F)
Tags Attracts Butterflies, Container, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Edging, Fall Color, Fast Growth Rate, Formal Garden, Full Sun, Good for Accents, Good for Beginners, Good for Borders, Good for Cottage Garden, Good for Mass Planting, Good for Rain Garden, Good for Rock Garden, Illinois Native, Low Maintenance, Medium, Medium, Most Popular, Mounded, Native to North America, Normal Soil, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Prairie Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Reblooms, Showy Flowers, Thrillers, Tolerant of Clay Soil, Tolerant of Hot Dry Site, Tolerant of Moist Soil, Tolerant of Sandy Soil, Well-Drained Soil
Bloom Period May - June
Flower Color Pale Blue With White Throats
Foliage Color Green
 

More Info from Experts

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Pricing and Availability History

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Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!