WHAT: Amsonia tabernaemontana, commonly known as bluestar, is native to Missouri and is as beautiful in natural woodland settings as it is in a native or perennial border. An herbaceous perennial, its light blue star-shaped flowers are one of the harbingers of spring in the Northwest, blooming in March and April.
Amsonia likes moist soil, and it has a clump-forming growth habit.
SUN OR SHADE: Amsonia does well in either full sun or part shade, but will need staking in a woodland environment as it tends to flop a bit without the full sun.
SIZE: It grows to 3 feet by 3 feet.
SEE IT: At the Evergreen Arboretum &Gardens, 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett in the Master Gardeners Demonstration Garden to the left of the entrance columns. For more information see www.evergreenarboretum.com or call 45-257-8597.
— Sandra Schumacher, Evergreen Arboretum &Gardens Foundation
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