Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud' - EASTERN BLUESTAR 'STORM CLOUD'
Superior selection with nearly black sprouts in early spring, very dark stems for the whole season, bluish flowers in early spring (for 4-6 weeks), and yellow foliage color in the fall (the more sun, the better the fall color). This tough, adaptable, and long-lived perennial is completely deer and rabbit resistant.
'Storm Cloud,' like any other Amsonia, takes its time to grow and needs several years to achieve full mature size (this is always proof of the longevity of the plant). The young plants form upright, vase-shaped clumps that age to wide, rounded, shrubby-looking mounds. This cultivar is heat, humidity, and black walnut tolerant and grows well deeper in the south as well as in northern areas. It attracts some pollinators in the spring and doesn't suffer from pests or diseases.
Blooming Time: May
Size: mounds up to 24-30" tall x 30-42" wide
USDA Zones: 4 to 9
Culture: full sun, half shade (4-6 hours of sun), virtually any soil (including clay)
Moisture Needs: average - don't plant in waterlogged soil
Origin: the species of Amsonia tabernaemontana is native to southern states (from Texas) diagonally across the USA to northeastern states (see the USDA distribution map)
Deer/Rabbit Resistant: yes / yes
Attracts Butterflies or Pollinators: yes / yes
Attracts Hummingbirds: no
Pot Size: square 3.5" x 4" deep perennial pot
Plant Combinations: goes well with many shorter or taller perennials and grasses for sun/half sun/half shade; the look reminds of a smaller shrub, so it can be used alongside true shrubs
Picture Copyright: Walters Gardens
Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud' - EASTERN BLUESTAR 'STORM CLOUD'
Superior selection with nearly black sprouts in early spring, very dark stems for the whole season, bluish flowers in early spring (for 4-6 weeks), and yellow foliage color in the fall (the more sun, the better the fall color). This tough, adaptable, and long-lived perennial is completely deer and rabbit resistant.
'Storm Cloud,' like any other Amsonia, takes its time to grow and needs several years to achieve full mature size (this is always proof of the longevity of the plant). The young plants form upright, vase-shaped clumps that age to wide, rounded, shrubby-looking mounds. This cultivar is heat, humidity, and black walnut tolerant and grows well deeper in the south as well as in northern areas. It attracts some pollinators in the spring and doesn't suffer from pests or diseases.
Blooming Time: May
Size: mounds up to 24-30" tall x 30-42" wide
USDA Zones: 4 to 9
Culture: full sun, half shade (4-6 hours of sun), virtually any soil (including clay)
Moisture Needs: average - don't plant in waterlogged soil
Origin: the species of Amsonia tabernaemontana is native to southern states (from Texas) diagonally across the USA to northeastern states (see the USDA distribution map)
Deer/Rabbit Resistant: yes / yes
Attracts Butterflies or Pollinators: yes / yes
Attracts Hummingbirds: no
Pot Size: square 3.5" x 4" deep perennial pot
Plant Combinations: goes well with many shorter or taller perennials and grasses for sun/half sun/half shade; the look reminds of a smaller shrub, so it can be used alongside true shrubs
Picture Copyright: Walters Gardens