Amsonia hubrichtii (Threadleaf Bluestar) - Quart Super Plugs

Taking the title of Perennial Plant of the Year in 2011 from the Perennial Plant Association, Threadleaf bluestar is a somewhat uncommon, attractive native perennial hailing from the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas and Oklahoma.  Threadleaf Bluestar grows to around 3 feet tall, blooming in late spring. The light, powder-blue flowers occur in clusters of 20 or more atop terminal stems, and bloom for several weeks into early Summer. The plants make a nice mound of delicate foliage for the remainder of the summer, finally finishing off with a spectacular golden fall color unmatched by most other perennials.

Threadleaf Bluestar typically grows in open glades on dry rocky outcrops and dry embankments along creeks in its native habitat; it carries to the landscape its rugged adaptability and drought tolerance. Even though it is a southern plant, it is cold hardy to zone 5. Threadleaf Bluestar will adapt in everything from rocky, sandy soils to heavy clay soils. The main requirements are a sunny spot and soil that isn’t continually waterlogged.

Uses

Threadleaf Bluestar has a very upright habit and won’t flop over unless it’s in heavy shade. Threadleaf bluestar is very adaptable, and can be used reliably anywhere east of the Rockies and from Zone 5 South. Threadleaf bluestar is a very long-lived and drought tolerant species, making it ideal for minimal-maintenance borders and landscapes. Threadleaf bluestar can be used as a standalone specimen plant; it really shines when planted in drifts that show off the ferny summer foliage and brilliant gold Autumn coloration.

Threadleaf Bluestar makes a good Sustainable Landscaping plant, as it offers nectar for butterflies and pollinators. The stems remain upright all winter, providing shelter for birds and small animals. Threadleaf Bluestar is also completely resistant to deer and rabbit browse, making it a great plant for areas with high populations of these animals.

How to Grow Threadleaf Bluestar

Tolerating everything from dry sandy soils to heavy clay soils, Threadleaf Bluestar is a very easy-to-grow, attractive garden perennial, especially for the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. Plant Bluestar in clumps 2-3 feet apart – Closer together for masses or drifts, and further apart for distinct specimens. Threadleaf Bluestar takes a year to establish and may not look like much at first, but it really starts to shine as it gets some age in the garden. Threadleaf Bluestar looks beautiful in a mixed border – Combine with other sunny-area perennials and grasses. ‘Shenandoah’ Switch Grass makes a great companion plant, as its upright, reddish blades look striking against the light green, thread-like leaves of Bluestar.

Our Threadleaf Bluestar quart SuperPlug™ pots will establish quickly.  Plant in Autumn for blooms the following Spring; Not all may bloom the same year if planted in spring.