AMSONIA illustris
Medium
Part shade
Blue
Reasonable soil
Spring
Multiple
Description
Amsonia illustris
Height x Spread: 90cm x 45cm
This is a handsome plant which blooms in late spring, producing striking pale blue starlike flowers in clusters at the top of its stems. The foliage looks good all through the year turning vivid yellow in autumn with purple stems, further enhanced by dark dangling pea-like seed pods.
Amsonia illustris combines brilliantly with orange-reds, dark reds and bright pinks. It is very useful for adding colour and texture to a shady border, but also a good choice for woodland planting schemes, as deer dislike it.
This plant features in - Rosy's planting plan for a Shady Border
Rosy's Colour Picks
VIOLA cornuta 'Victoria's Blush' (C)
'Victoria's Blush' has heart-shaped green foliage, which creates a low growing mounds. Available for Mail Order from April - August
AQUILEGIA vulgaris var. stellata 'Ruby Port'
This is a stunning spurless double flowered form of columbine, that produces masses of nodding ruby flowers. Available for Mail Order from April - August
HEUCHERA 'Marmalade' PBR
This variety forms mounds of stunning foliage, it's lobed leaves with ruffled edges range in colour, they are predominantly orange but with tinges of pink, yellow and pale green.
MELITTIS melissophyllum 'Royal Velvet Distinction' PBR
Orchid-like cream coloured flowers with magenta lower lips emerge from leaf junctions, during early summer. Its dark green, deliciously honey scented leaves are held on short sturdy stems.