or fall every 6–10 years. Lady’s mantle
is very effective when repeated along
a border.Amsonia^
tabernaemontana
Eastern bluestar
apocynaceaeLight blue star-shaped flowers;
glossy leaves that may turn yellow in fall
2–4 ft. high; 2–4 ft. wide
Full sun–part shade
Blooms May–June
Zones 3–9
pruning When grown in too much
shade or in overly rich soil, or where a
more structured look is desired in the
garden, bluestar will benefit from
shearing back by a third to half and
shaping after flowering. Hedge shears
do the trick. Cut outer branches
slightly lower than inner branches to
shape plants. Plants fill in nicely in 2–3
weeks at about 1 ft. shorter than
original size if cut back by a third.
Pruned plants add a neat, rounded,
shrublike structure to the garden as
compared to their flopping and open
unpruned counterparts. Look at the
plant: sometimes just a little cut off
the top, such as 4–6 in. off the tips, is
enough to remove the weight and
allow the plant to stand upright again,
particularly if the plant is in a fair
amount of sun. In some years, particu-
larly those with moist springs, plants
can seed by the hundreds; fortunately
seeds will usually drop directly at the
base of the plant. Cutting plants back
after flowering and removing seed-
pods at the same time will eliminate
this concern. Plants can be cut down to
6–10 in. above the ground to improve
growth habit, which may be needed in
warmer climates or in areas of deep
shade. Plants grown in full sun may
not require cutting back, although
deadheading may be necessary if
seeding is a problem. Seedpods can be
snapped off easily with a sharp
thumbnail. Shorter growing forms like
‘Short Stack’ or ‘Blue Ice’ should be
selected if you want to avoid pruning.
Eastern bluestar carries its shrub form
into the winter, but it may break down
in heavy snows. Cut plants down in the
spring. Some people are highly
sensitive to the milky sap produced by
amsonia, which can cause itching or
burning upon contact; protective
clothing should be worn while
pruning the plants.
other maintenance This is an
easy-to-grow, hardy, low-maintenance
plant. It tolerates both dry and wet
soils for short periods, but generally
prefers evenly moist conditions.
Division is easy, in late spring or fall,
but isn’t necessary for 6–10 years or
longer. It will require staking if grown
in shade and not pruned.
related plantS Amsonia ciliata,
downy amsonia, is a fine-leaved,
feathery form that opens up a bit after
flowering. I shear 4–6 in. off the tops of
plants grown in full sun, shaping them
into a better habit.Amsonia tabernaemontana