Love those Amsonias Pt. 2, Amsonia hubrichtii, Arkansas Bluestar

I meant to include the link to an informative site on amsonias in my last post. On my way to finding it, I found an interesting site, which can explain the confusion about different amsonias. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture there are lots of varieties. Check it out by clicking on the link. I haven't found the original site, but the Virginia Cooperative Extension has a helpful article on Amsonia tabernaemontana.  The one in my previous post was in full sun. OK, I found the site, but it was a pdf.  I am giving you the html version, and you can click on the link there, if you want the pdf.  It's Rick Darke's Amsonia in Cultivation.

I found Arkansas bluestar, Amsonia hubrichtii, at our Statewide Arboretum's plant sale.  They have chosen this plant for their perennial of the year.  There is some good information about it on the GreatPlants web page.  Just scroll down; it's right after the shrub of the year.

On May 3, the Amsonia hubrichtii, was just peeking through its spot on the east side of the house, where it was protected from the hot west sun.  To its left is a liatris that it likes to sprawl on in the summer.

By May 19, the plant had flowers forming.  (Clicking on these pics will make them larger.)

This photo was taken June 3.  Aren't the flowers pretty? Yes, it has supports, because it is so close to other plants. You can also see long slender seed pods.

By June 8, the plant appears to be finished blooming and is covered with seed pods.

June 18, I must have just given the plant this trim.  When cut, a milky substance leaks out, which can be irritating to the skin.  It looks like there is a bonus, my shadow, in this picture.  In the back, by the house had been a pampas grass my husband insisted on planting when our neighbor offered it to us when we were first digging that bed.  I had been waiting for him to dig it out, as it was getting huge, and I didn't think our yard was big enough for it.  I finally took matters into my own hands, and couldn't believe how easy that thing was to dig out.  I think it's because that wasn't a good place for it.  I put it by the curb, and someone took it to plant in their yard. So, it looks like some of these plants in the pic are still adjusting.

Here, on July 6, you can see the nice regrowth.  That's moonbeam coreopsis blooming on the right.

August 4.  The black-eyed Susans in the back got a disease on their leaves, but bloomed well anyway.  

September 7:

September 25.  The asters have finally finished teasing, and opened their buds.

October 25:

November 14:

December 16:

12/26:

 Again, I'm still in love!  (I'll be ready for spring soon, though.) I am adding one more link, and that's to Cameron's post that includes this amsonia.  Her blog is Defining Your Home Garden.