A lovely selection of our native Bluestar, 'Halfway to Arkansas' sets masses of soft blue blooms in late spring against deep green, needle-thin foliage. Then in autumn the leaves turn rich shades of golden-yellow, offering another season of beauty for this easy-to-grow perennial.
This plant has a perfectly rounded, symmetrical habit 3 feet high and wide. Unlike the specices, it is never rangy or uneven, but keeps its shape beautifully. The glossy foliage makes a fine backdrop for summer-blooming annuals and perennials, and then blazes forth its autumn color, beginning a bit later than other Amsonias but lasting well. And the blooms are lovely in spring, attracting butterflies to their giant domes of soft color.
Native from North Carolina through Texas, this perennial is quite adaptable, and once established in your garden you will find it tolerant of drought, heat, and humidity. Very slow growing, it remains compact and dense without sprawling or shooting up. Lovely as a low hedge or ribbon of three-season color in the border! Zones 5-9.
