Eastern Bluestar

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

2-3 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 9

With its pale blue flowers that bloom in May, the Eastern Bluestar is sure to add impact at the beginning of summer. Producing erect, green foliage, it is ideal for adding to the front of a border or for ground cover. Clusters of star-shaped flowers appear in spring and provide an important nectar source for pollinators. Botanically named the Amsonia tabernaemontana, this perennial remains a compact 2 to 3 feet tall. At the end of the summer, its willow-like foliage can turn a wonderful yellow adding some late-season interest. 

Keeping to a manageable rounded form, the Eastern Bluestar is low maintenance and deer resistant. Its foliage feeds several types of caterpillars and is known to attract butterflies into the garden. Native to open woodlands in North America, this plant is perfect for growing in groups and is well suited to informal and cottage garden planting schemes. Happy in most soils, Eastern Bluestar is also suitable for a shady spot.

Eastern Bluestar Care

Eastern Bluestar prefers to be planted where it will receive full sun or partial shade. It is unfussy about what soil it is grown in and will even tolerate damp or moist conditions as long as the ground is free draining. Once established, this perennial is considered drought tolerant. To encourage its stunning flowers and foliage, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in spring. However, if grown in fertile soil, extra nutrients are not strictly required. 

Although low maintenance, Eastern Bluestar can become so laden with flowers that staking may become necessary. If the flowers are left on, attractive seed heads will develop. The foliage can be pruned back to soil level either in late fall or early spring. In colder areas, pot-grown specimens can be brought under cover to overwinter. 

Eastern Bluestar Spacing

Given the right growing conditions, the Eastern Bluestar can grow to a maximum of 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. When planting Amsonia tabernaemontana in groups, it should be spaced approximately 24-36 inches apart.