Paul J. Ciener
Botanical Garden

May Plant of the Month

Amsonia hubrichtii -Hubricht's bluestar

by Adrienne Roethling,

Director

Amsonia or blue star consists of a handful of species mostly native throughout North America.  They are herbaceous perennials that bloom in spring, have attractive green foliage in summer which turns vibrant gold in fall. Amsonia hubrichtii is native to the Ozarks.  

Hubricht’s bluestar was introduced in 1942 by Leslie Hubricht.  This graceful bluestar has soft, airy green leaves that emerge in spring and quickly give rise to blue flowers.  Individual, star shaped flowers are held in clusters borne at the ends of the stems and will last for several weeks. Expect blue flowers in May.  The green leaves are attractive throughout the summer before turning brilliant gold in fall.   Hubricht’s bluestar does best in full sun and will tolerate most soil conditions. Drought tolerant once establish and will go dormant in winter.  

Join or renew your garden membership during the month of May and your name will be included in a drawing for a division of Amsonia hubrichtii.