Blue Ice Amsonia
Blue Ice Amsonia
A Compact Bluestar with Rich Periwinkle Flowers
Blue Ice Amsonia (Amsonia 'Blue Ice') packs the charm of bluestar into a tidy, compact mound, opening clusters of unusually deep periwinkle-blue, star-shaped flowers in late spring over neat green foliage that turns warm golden-yellow in fall. Its richer flower color and smaller size make it perfect for the front of borders and smaller gardens. Tough, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant, it's an easy, three-season performer for Minnetonka, Lakeville, and Blaine.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Amsonia 'Blue Ice' |
| Mature Size | 12–15 in tall, 18–24 in wide (compact) |
| Hardiness Zone | Zone 4–9 (hardy across most of Minnesota) |
| Light | Full sun to part shade (best fall color in sun) |
| Bloom Time | Late spring |
| Flower Color | Deep periwinkle-blue stars |
| Soil | Average, well-drained; tolerates drought once established |
Landscape Uses
Use Blue Ice at the front of borders, as edging, in pollinator gardens, and in mass plantings. Its compact habit and rich blue flowers pair beautifully with coneflowers, grasses, and the taller Threadleaf Bluestar.
Best Time to Plant
Plant in spring or early fall, when cooler weather and steady moisture help roots establish.
How to Plant
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the soil, backfill, water in well, and mulch 2–3 inches deep, keeping mulch off the stems.
Watering
First Year: Water deeply 1–2 times per week to establish the roots.
After Year One: Water during dry spells. It's quite drought tolerant once established.
Drip Irrigation: A drip line provides efficient moisture during establishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Blue Ice different from Threadleaf Bluestar?
It's more compact with broader leaves and deeper periwinkle-blue flowers, ideal for smaller spaces.
Does it have fall color?
Yes, the foliage turns warm golden-yellow in autumn.
Is it hardy in Minnesota?
Yes, hardy to Zone 4 and reliable across most of the state.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, the milky sap makes it unappealing to deer.
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Pair Blue Ice with Threadleaf Bluestar, coneflowers, and ornamental grasses for a textural, low-care border.
How Many Blue Ice Amsonia Do I Need?
Compact and mounding, Blue Ice is made for the front of the border and edging. Space plants about 18 inches apart for a low ribbon, or group 3–5 for a richer patch of periwinkle.
| Run Length | Plants at ~18 in |
|---|---|
| 10 ft edge | 7 plants |
| 20 ft edge | 13 plants |
| 30 ft edge | 20 plants |
Blue Ice Amsonia Season-by-Season in Minnesota
- Spring: Clusters of deep periwinkle-blue, star-shaped flowers open over neat green foliage in late spring.
- Summer: Forms a tidy, rounded mound of clean green leaves — quiet, polished structure.
- Fall: Foliage turns warm golden-yellow for a glowing autumn finish.
- Winter: Dies back to the ground and returns reliably each spring.
At a Glance
✔ Deer-Resistant ✔ Drought-Tolerant ✔ Pollinator-Friendly ✔ Four-Season Interest ✔ Compact
Plant It With
- Threadleaf Bluestar — the taller, fine-textured Amsonia for a layered blue-and-gold combination.
- Sombrero Granada Gold Coneflower — gold daisies pair beautifully with the periwinkle stars and golden fall foliage.
- Little Bluestem — native grass that complements amsonia's fine texture and fall color.
- Autumn Fire Sedum — a drought-tough front-border partner for late-season color.
Is Blue Ice Amsonia Right for Your Yard?
Blue Ice thrives in full sun to part shade and average, well-drained soil, and delivers three seasons of interest with almost no care; fall color is richest in sun. Not a fit for wet, poorly drained ground, where the crown can rot.