Fringed Bluestar (Amsonia ciliata)

Also known as: Texas Bluestar, Creeping Bluestar, Downy Blue Star, Texas Slimpod, Blue Star

Amsonia ciliata, known as Fringed Bluestar, is a perennial that displays clusters of pale blue, star-shaped flowers in the spring. It attracts butterflies and its green foliage turns yellow in autumn. The plant flourishes in both full sun and partial shade, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens and cottage gardens when planted en masse.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Fringed Bluestar

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

61 cm to 91 cm

Spread

60 cm to 90 cm

Leaf Color

Green Yellow

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Blue White

Images of Fringed Bluestar

Quickly Identify Fringed Bluestar

Delicate blue flowers in loose panicles, each 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) wide.

Yellow needle-like leaves with fringe of hairs, turning vibrant yellow in fall.

Slender erect brown follicles, splitting to disperse seeds, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm).

Upright stems exuding milky sap, covered in fine hairs, reaching 2-3 feet (60-90 cm).

Clump-forming perennial, 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall, prefers full sun to partial shade.

Scientific Classification of Fringed Bluestar

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Gentianales

Family

Dogbane

Genus

Bluestars

Species

Fringed Bluestar

Planting and Growing of Fringed Bluestar

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

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 Fringed Bluestar?

When watering Amsonia ciliata, ensure the soil is soaked thoroughly without waterlogging. Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again, providing about 500 mL each time to accommodate its needs.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Fringed Bluestar?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours daily

Amsonia ciliata prospers under full sun to partial sun. Ideal light facilitates optimal growth, maximizing flower production and maintaining a healthy leaf structure that efficiently harnesses sunlight for energy.

How much sunlight is best for Amsonia ciliata? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Fringed Bluestar?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

Amsonia ciliata thrives best in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F. Maintaining this range promotes optimal growth and flowering, ensuring the plant's health and vitality. Regular monitoring of environmental conditions will help in adjusting care practices to keep temperatures stable within the ideal range.

What Soil is Best for Fringed Bluestar?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Amsonia ciliata thrives in well-drained soil, preventing root rot and ensuring adequate oxygenation. A well-drained structure helps the plant maintain robust growth by avoiding waterlogging, promoting a healthy root system. This plant favors soil with moderate nutrient levels, which supports its metabolic functions without overwhelming it. Such balance ensures lush foliage and abundant flowering, maintaining the plant's ornamental appeal. Sandy soil allows for efficient drainage and root expansion, crucial for Amsonia ciliata’s well-being. The sandy composition encourages strong root anchorage, enabling the plant to withstand varying environmental conditions.

How to Fertilize Fringed Bluestar?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Amsonia ciliata, use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10. For liquid fertilizers, dilute to half the recommended strength and apply at the rate of about 1 quart per plant monthly during the growing season.

How to Prune Fringed Bluestar?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Prune Amsonia ciliata in late spring after flowering or in early summer. Avoid pruning in late autumn or winter as this may stress the plant more than necessary. While it might be tempting to cut back more for a tidier look, over-pruning can be detrimental. Limit your pruning to about one-third of the plant to avoid reducing its flowering capacity. New growth might be fragile and sensitive. Be gentle and avoid disturbing these tender shoots as they are essential for the plant's future blooming. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Fringed Bluestar plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Late spring

Collect seeds from mature Amsonia ciliata plants in the fall or purchase from a reputable supplier. Before planting, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours to improve germination rates.

Fill a seedling tray with a seed-starting mix, place the seeds on the surface, and cover lightly with soil. Ensure the seeds are sown at a depth twice their size and moisten the soil gently after planting.

For division, dig up a well-established Amsonia ciliata plant in early spring. Use a sharp knife or spade to divide the root ball into sections, ensuring each piece has roots attached. Replant each division promptly at the same depth they were growing before.

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How to Repot Fringed Bluestar plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repot Amsonia ciliata in the spring when you see stunted growth or roots outgrowing drainage holes. These signs indicate it's time for a new home that offers more space and nutrients.

Select a pot that is one size larger than its current one, ensuring it has ample drainage holes. This prevents waterlogging, which can harm the plant, and allows for healthy root expansion.

Opt for a well-draining sandy soil mix. This choice keeps roots from sitting in water, thus preventing root rot. It also supports better nutrient distribution for robust growth.

Toxicity of Fringed Bluestar

Is Fringed Bluestar toxic to humans?

The Fringed Bluestar has the potential to induce mild poisoning if it comes into contact with the skin. Its milky sap is regarded as toxic, thus it is advisable to prevent direct contact with any broken parts or exposed sap of the plant. Symptoms of poisoning may include slight skin irritation and rashes. This plant is often cultivated in residential settings, increasing the risk for children.

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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