Botanical name:	Amsonia ciliata
	Common name(s):	Blue Star, Blue Dogbane
	Type of plant:	Hardy herbaceous perennial.
	History:	Named after an 18th century physician, Charles Amson.
	Deer resistant?	Yes!

Description

Amsonia ciliata, rated "number one" by Carolyn, has beautiful foliage and form all growing season. Amsonia flowers early, with lacy blue flowers of icy blue on upright stems. The blue of the bud before bloom is more intense. Foliage is dark green, long and slender, on stems up to 3-4 feet in height. Good foliage to the base of the plant even late in the season. Stems arch as they heighten after bloom.

Cultural Requirements

Good soil, enriched with compost (check out our monthly garden tips for notes on soil preparation). Full sun or morning sun with afternoon shade, or light shade on the south side of a tree. Moderate to low irrigation. In my garden, I water it once a week.

Maintenance

Cut back to the crown when it has died back in early winter. In mild climates, if the plant adds to the winter landscape, wait until late January. Be careful to cut it back before new growing shoots start! Good cut flower? Yes! Sear ends right after cutting by running through a candle flame or dipping quickly in very hot water. Seed pods and golden foliage gathered in fall will last through the winter. Attractive landscape plant? Yes! It looks great during the growing season and often has good golden fall color. Long delicate seed pods are light brown. Dormant in winter, but the area where it grows may be covered with an evergreen ground cover such as Cerastium tomentosum (snow-in-summer). Use this one as a focal plant in a perennial border. I have used it as an "edging plant" where I wanted a taller accent.

Golden brown Amsonia seed pods contrast with bright green foliage. Pick the seed pods before they open or you'll have lots of volunteer seedlings next year!

Good habits: Amsonia looks good even through summer heat. Needs no deadheading or tending until after it dies back in early winter. If seed pods are left, it will self-sow (though some may consider this a bad habit). Needs no staking or support!

Bad habits: Bloom period is too short! Amsonia is slow to mature; it will be at least three years before it shows its true magnificence. But it's certainly worth the wait.