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 more compact growth form and darker blue flowers than other Amsonia, 'Blue Ice' produces dark lavender-blue star-shaped flowers atop short, 12-18" stalks in early to mid spring. 

The 'Blue Ice' cultivar's bright blue flowers bloom for 4-6 weeks, 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 green summer foliage, which then turns 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. 'Blue Ice' is naturally clumping, easy to grow, and maintenance-free, and has the added bonus of deer, rabbit, and drought tolerance.