Summary
Willowleaf bluestar has a large natural range extending from the central and midwestern states to the Southeast. This variety has narrow willow-like leaves that lack the sheen and undulation found in A. tabernaemontana var. illustris. The stems and calyxes of willowleaf bluestar are hairless and often have a waxy coating, and the fruit is held upright. Although we did not trial A. tabernaemontana var. salicifolia, we did evaluate a cultivar, Amsonia tabernaemontana ‘Fontana’ (Fontana wideleaf bluestar), that botanically appears as A. tabernaemontana var. salicifolia. Brent Horvath of Intrinsic Perennial Gardens selected A. tabernaemontana ‘Fontana’ for its attractive dark stems and darker blue flowers compared to other A. tabernaemontana. This cultivar measured 3.5′ high and 4′ wide making it a great option for gardens that do not have room for the larger species and cultivars.
Details
- Rating
4.4 - Common Name
Fontana wideleaf bluestar