Eastern bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana)

Also known as: Blue dogbane, Blue star flower, Blue Star

A wonderful native perennial for your garden is Echinacea purpurea, also known as Purple Coneflower. This plant is known to draw butterflies and hummingbird moths with its striking purple blooms. It thrives in various conditions and is notably resistant to diseases and pests, making it a low-maintenance yet attractive choice for pollinator-friendly gardens.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Eastern bluestar

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

60 cm to 90 cm

Spread

60 cm to 90 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Blue

Images of Eastern bluestar

Quickly Identify Eastern bluestar

Upright, clump-forming habit

0.75-inch light blue star-shaped flowers

Elongated, narrow green pods resembling beans

3-6 inch narrow, oval-shaped leaves

2-3 feet light-green, smooth stems

Scientific Classification of Eastern bluestar

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Gentianales

Family

Dogbane

Genus

Bluestars

Species

Eastern bluestar

Planting and Growing of Eastern bluestar

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Terracotta

How to Water Eastern bluestar?

Amsonia tabernaemontana prefers to be watered thoroughly but infrequently. Ensure the soil is evenly moist but never waterlogged. Watering should saturate approximately the top 6 inches of soil each time.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Eastern bluestar? ›

What should I do if my Eastern bluestar is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Eastern bluestar? ›

How to save an overwatered Eastern bluestar? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Eastern bluestar?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours

Amsonia tabernaemontana prefers partial sun conditions, optimally receiving 4 to 6 hours of sunlight per day. These light levels support robust growth, enhance flowering, and safeguard against stress.

Where to Plant Amsonia tabernaemontana ›

Adjusting Light Levels ›

Benefits of Ideal Light Conditions ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Eastern bluestar?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Amsonia tabernaemontana thrives best in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. This range is ideal for its growth because it allows for optimal metabolic processes without stress. Maintaining this temperature helps in promoting lush foliage and vibrant blooming.

What Soil is Best for Eastern bluestar?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Amsonia tabernaemontana thrives in soil that offers adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Ensuring proper drainage helps maintain the overall health and vigor of the plant. This plant benefits from soil enriched with organic matter which provides essential nutrients. Adding compost or well-rotted manure can enhance soil fertility, supporting robust growth and vibrant blooms. While it is drought-tolerant once established, Amsonia prefers consistently moist soil. This condition facilitates steady growth and the maintenance of lush foliage. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Eastern bluestar?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Amsonia tabernaemontana, it is important to use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply 1/2 teaspoon per gallon of water if using liquid fertilizer, and ensure the soil is moist before application. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Eastern bluestar?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

To maintain a tidy appearance, cut back stems to within two inches of the base in early spring. This minimizes legginess and promotes a dense, bushy form as the growing season progresses. Remove any dead or damaged stems to encourage healthy new growth. These should be cut back to the base, ensuring disease does not spread through the plant. After the plant flowers, remove spent flower heads to tidy up its appearance and potentially encourage a second, less vigorous bloom later in the season. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Eastern bluestar plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Early summer

Fill seed trays with a well-draining seed starting mix. Sow seeds on the surface and lightly cover with additional mix. Water gently and keep the soil moist.

Select healthy stems and cut segments approximately 4-6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to enhance root development.

Dig around the clump of the plant and gently lift it from the ground. Use a knife or spade to divide the rhizome into sections, ensuring each has roots and shoots.

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How to Repot Eastern bluestar plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Look for signs like roots growing through drainage holes, soil losing nutrients, or water drainage issues. Amsonia tabernaemontana appreciates a refresh during the active growing seasons, mainly spring or summer, when the plant can recover swiftly from root disturbance.

Select a pot that's about 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current one, with ample drainage holes. This size increase provides space for root expansion and promotes healthy growth, while adequate drainage prevents waterlogging and root rot, ensuring the plant's vigor.

Opt for a well-drained loamy soil mixed with some organic matter. This soil type provides optimal air and water circulation, encouraging root health. Loamy soil is nutrient-rich, which supports stable growth and improves moisture retention without becoming waterlogged.

Toxicity of Eastern bluestar

Is Eastern bluestar toxic to humans?

The Eastern bluestar is characterized by the production of a milky latex-like substance found within its stems, which oozes out when the stems are either cut or broken. This substance may provoke skin irritation upon contact, and it poses a serious allergic risk for individuals sensitive to latex. To prevent irritation from the latex sap, it is advisable to wear gloves while pruning the Eastern bluestar.

Is Eastern bluestar toxic to cat?

The eastern bluestar has been identified as having a mild level of toxicity for cats. Ingesting significant quantities of this plant, particularly its sap or juice, can lead to poisoning in felines. Should a cat consume eastern bluestar, it may show general symptoms such as discomfort, sickness, or pain. It is essential for cat owners to vigilantly observe their pets, particularly if they have access to regions where eastern bluestar is found. If any unusual behaviors or poisoning symptoms are noted, seeking immediate veterinary care is vital for timely treatment and to avert further complications.

Is Eastern bluestar toxic to dog?

The Eastern bluestar presents a low-level toxicity risk to dogs. If canines consume significant quantities of this plant, it can result in poisoning. The primary danger is linked to the sap or juice, which are the hazardous components of the eastern bluestar. If a dog ingests these elements, they may show symptoms associated with poisoning. It is essential for dog owners to keep a close eye on their pets and deter them from chewing or ingesting large amounts of eastern bluestar. Should a dog exhibit any signs of discomfort after interacting with eastern bluestar, such as digestive issues or other unusual behaviors, it is critical to seek prompt veterinary assistance to safeguard their health.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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