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.

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.