How to Grow Arkansas Blue Star: Expert Advice on Native Plants

Arkansas blue star, or Amsonia hubrickii, are spectacular flowering perennials native to the temperate south-central region, which includes Arkansas and Oklahoma, and thrive on rocky outcrops, prairies, floodplains and stream habitats.

This native perennial produces thin, needle-like green foliage that helps fill borders in spring and summer, although the real star of the show is the light blue flowers, which usually emerge from dark blue buds around mid-summer.

So if you’re looking to add an interesting native plant to your collection this year, consider learning how to grow the Arkansas Blue Star. Here, a Wisconsin gardening expert shares all the information you need to plant and care for this attractively flowering perennial.

Arkansas Blue Star with bright blue flowers in summer

How to Grow the Arkansas Blue Star

Although not as well known as other species, Arkansas Blue is certainly a contender for one of the best perennials from North America. With an upright habit, the leaves add vertical appeal to any bed, while pollinators are sure to delight in the nectar-rich blue flowers.

Growing Habits of the Arkansas Blue Star

Blue flowers of the Arkansas Blue Star perennial or Amsonia hubrichtii

(Image credit: Getty Images/Joshua McCullough, PhytoPhoto)

“If you’re looking for flowering plants that grow back every year, look no further than Arkansas Blue Star,” says Tabar Gifford, American Meadows plant expert and master gardener. “This is a native garden favorite with soft, cloud-like foliage and light blue, star-shaped flowers from late spring to mid-summer.”

“Arkansas Blue Star grows best in U.S. hardiness zones 5 through 8 and became a popular and prominent native plant beginning in the mid-20th century,” Tabar continues. “In 1942, it was documented by naturalist Leslie Hubricht in its native range, the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma. Since then, it has become a garden favorite and is prized for its tall perennial blooms, cloud-like foliage, and brilliant fall hue.

“In addition, Arkansas Blue Star was named the 2011 Perennial Plant of the Year and stood out for its attractiveness and adaptability,” says Tabar. “In addition, it is a larval food plant for the swallowtail butterfly. So if you’re looking for ways to attract butterflies, this perennial is a good option.” The nectar is also known to be popular with carpenter bees, bumblebees, and ruby-throated hummingbirds.

Live Arkansas Blue Star plants are available at Walmart.

Chuxay Garden 5 Seeds Amsonia Hubrichtii Seeds, Narrowleaf Bluestar, Hubricht's Blue Star, Arkansas Bluebell, Beautiful White Herb Plant, Native Wildflower, Ideal for the Garden

Tabar Gifford

Tabar Gifford works as a master gardener for American Meadows and has a lifelong love of gardening and nature. With a background in environmental studies and sustainable community development, she enjoys combining her expertise in horticulture with her commitment to education.

Arkansas Blue Star Growing Guide

Mulch

(Image credit: Larisa Stefanuyk / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images)

Floor: Arkansas Blue Star is relatively versatile and can be grown in most soils, including rocky, dry soils or moist floodplains. However, they grow better in “soil that drains well but is moist,” adds Tabar. In fact, some moisture in the soil helps this perennial thrive during the spring and summer months and reduces the need for frequent watering.

Light: While they tolerate partial shade, Arkansas Blue Star plants thrive in full-sun borders that receive six or more hours of sunlight each day. “The tall stems bear feathery foliage that attracts attention in the fall and turns a hazy golden yellow, especially when grown in a full-sun garden,” says Tabar.

Irrigation: For young perennials that are newly planted, it is recommended to water deeply every two weeks for the first year while they become established. Annual mulching also helps reduce irrigation needs during the spring and summer months, which helps improve soil health and preserve moisture in the soil. Try this pine bark mulch, available at Walmart. However, once established, this native tree is considered remarkably drought tolerant.

Fertilization: “In general, it is a perennial plant that requires little to no additional fertilization,” says Tabar, “especially when grown in nutrient-rich soil that is mulched every year.” If you are concerned about plant nutrition , use an organic fertilizer once a year in spring.

Clipping: “Prune the Arkansas Blue Star back 6 to 8 inches after flowering to promote fuller, bushy growth for the rest of the growing season,” says Tabar. Leave the golden foliage in fall and winter, cutting the stems down to the ground once all the leaves have fallen, usually in December or January. Since it is a perennial, your clump will sprout again from the base of the plant in spring.

Toxicity: Although Arkansas Blue Star plants are not considered dangerous to humans or pets, the milky sap contains alkaloids and is mildly toxic. For this reason, skin irritation can occur during pruning. Therefore, be sure to wear gardening gloves, which are available on Amazon.

FAQs

Can I grow Arkansas Blue Star plants in pots?

While you can grow this perennial in a pot, I have found that growing it in the ground tends to produce far better results. That’s because of it Amsonia hubrichtii has a deep taproot and grows better in deep soil. If you want to grow this perennial in a pot, make sure to use a tall container and keep an eye on its spring and summer watering needs.

When is a good time to share the Arkansas Blue Star?

Learning how to divide plants is a fun and free way to expand your collection. As with most perennials, you can lift and divide Arkansas Blue Star clumps in spring or fall by cutting larger clumps into two, three or four sections with a sharp spade. Just be sure that each new clump has a healthy root system that will produce new shoots.

Like many other native perennials, Arkansas Blue Star plants are virtually problem-free and pest-free. They are hardy perennials that thrive without requiring much attention. For more native plant inspiration, check out our guide to the High Line in New York City, where this perennial is grown along with many other hardy, pest-free species that grow in the wild throughout North America.

For more home perennial inspiration, check out our guide to some of the best rudbeckias. Fill your garden with showy yellow or red flowers next year.

How to Grow Arkansas Blue Star: Expert Advice on Native Plants

ByAmelia Journalton

How to Grow the Arkansas Blue Star

By Amelia Journalton

Related Post

Mets, Art Shamsky, keeps Ed Kranepool’s memory in the 1st season without him alive

Al Nassr Vence a al Hilal Por 3-1 con Doblete de Cristiano Ronaldo y Con jhon durán de Title: Así va el Partido

The judge orders us to bring Maryland man back from the El Salvador prison

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You missed

Mets, Art Shamsky, keeps Ed Kranepool’s memory in the 1st season without him alive

Al Nassr Vence a al Hilal Por 3-1 con Doblete de Cristiano Ronaldo y Con jhon durán de Title: Así va el Partido

The judge orders us to bring Maryland man back from the El Salvador prison

Bregman, Campbell, Casas Homer as Red Sox defeated Orioles 8-4