Amsonia tabernaemontana

Amsonia 'Tabernaemontana'

The common name of this easy to grow perennial is 'Eastern Blue Star'. It likes moist, loamy soil - woodland conditions. In some years the leaves take on attractive bronzy hues. The plant was named after two people; a Virginian physician, Dr Charles Amson and Jakob Theodor Von Bergzabern (d. 1590) who latinised his name as Tabernaemontanus. Both names seem rather a mouthful.

Cultivation: it likes moist yet well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. It is generally disease and pest free. Propagate by seed, division in spring or by softwood cuttings in summer.