Amsonia 'Blue Ice' (Bluestar) Unity Grown

Amsonia x 'Blue Ice' is a mysterious hybrid cultivar of Amsonia, originally found growing alongside of Amsonia tabernaemontana at a greenhouse in Connecticut, though its specific parentage hasn't been established. Set apart as a cultivar by its compact growth form and darker blue flowers than other Amsonia, 'Blue Ice' produces dark lavender-blue star-shaped flowers atop short stalks in mid-spring; while other cultivars of Amsonia tabernaemontana can reach heights of up to three feet, the mysterious 'Blue Ice' grows to a mature more compact stature of only 12-18" tall.

The 'Blue Ice' cultivar's bright blue flowers bloom for 4-6 weeks at a time, typically between mid April and early June, and attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Beyond its flowers, 'Blue Ice' produces also produces showy willow-like summer foliage in shades of rich, dark green; leaves then turn to a striking golden yellow hue in the fall, adding multi-season interest. This bluestar's foliage is much broader than that of close relative threadleaf bluestar, and the two contrast well even when planted in the same space. Like other bluestars, 'Blue Ice' is fairly easy to grow, almost maintenance-free, and naturally forms large clumps or masses over time; 'Blue Ice' is additionally tolerant of deer, rabbit, and drought tolerance.