Stay cool in the backyard with Hubricht’s Bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii), a billowy Southeast United States perennial that requires humidity and heat in stride.

Every time a refreshing summer breeze blows through the landscape, soft, willowy chartreuse foliage ripples in the wind, creating an ephemeral — if only emotionally — cooling effect. Being pushed about is a fantastic thing in this circumstance. And with three seasons of backyard interest that is distinctly different you will never find yourself looking at the landscape.

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Botanical name: Amsonia hubrichtii
Common names: Hubricht’s Bluestar, Bluestar, Arkansas Amsonia, Hubricht’s Amsonia
USDA zones: 4 to 9 (find your zone)
Water requirement: Medium
moderate requirement:Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: 2 to 3 feet tall and wide
Benefits and tolerances:Flowers attract butterflies; bull tolerant
Seasonal interest: Blooms spring through summer; autumn foliage
When to plant: Plant seeds in autumn or spring; divide in spring

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Distinguishing attributes. Bluestar’s bright, feathery foliage is a voluminous and bushy existence in the backyard. It is a vertical noodle plant that becomes showier and more attractive with age.

Petite sky-blue blossoms arrive in late spring and summer, topping the narrow evergreen foliage. Attractive and decorative seedheads follow. The bright green foliage of Bluestar excels in the landscape during the summer, creating a cooling atmosphere in the breeze as its willow-like foliage blows.

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The foliage becomes a radiant gold in autumn, making it considered one of the Bluestars.

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How to use it. Bluestar is a superb plant to have in your arsenal, because its distinctive texture, blossoms and brilliant fall color create a exceptional garden view through three seasons of the year.

Scatter Bluestar one of grasses or other finely textured plants to create a soft meadow-like landscape that would make Piet Oudolf proud. And when other plants go dormant or show their own seasonal colour, Bluestar’s transparent golden color is an attractive backyard foil. Bluestar creates a juxtaposition against the tough texture.

Bluestar’s capacity to grow in moist soils makes it an perfect candidate for a rain garden, where tolerance of intense humidity and drought is essential. The plant grows naturally in the Southeast United States and can be an attractive choice for a native woodland garden. Mass for effect.

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Planting notes. Bluestar can be left to grow once it’s launched. It is tolerant of moist, well-drained soil but may also do just fine if you don’t remember to water it every once in a while. Vibrant foliage colour is enhanced when it’s planted in full sun, but the blossoms survive longer in partial shade in extremely hot climates. If planted in shade stems will flop more than.

A long-lived plant, Bluestar appears best after a couple of growing seasons. If you looking for more of a quick massed effect, consider buying more mature specimens.

When it flowers, cut back the plant several inches to maintain stems upright and to keep an attractive overall form. There are no significant pest or pest problems connected with Bluestar, but it may be susceptible to rust. Discard infested foliage immediately, before it may contaminate other plants.

More: Great design blossoms and plants, grasses and trees.

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