Blue Ice Amsonia is a beautiful and dependable perennial that brings cool blue tones to the spring garden. With star-shaped flowers that bloom in mid to late spring and soft green foliage that turns golden in the fall, this plant offers multi-season interest with very little maintenance.
Originally developed from native Amsonia species, Blue Ice is known for its compact size, tidy mounding habit, and richer flower color than other varieties. While many Amsonia bloom in pale blue, Blue Ice features a deeper, almost violet-blue flower that stands out beautifully against fresh spring greens.
This plant is well-suited for Southeast Wisconsin gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and long-lived, making it a reliable addition to low-maintenance perennial beds. Blue Ice typically grows to about 12–15 inches tall and wide, forming a neat, rounded mound that doesn’t flop or spread aggressively.
In spring, clusters of blue, star-shaped flowers bloom at the tips of the stems, creating a soft, airy look that pairs well with spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils. After flowering, the plant’s slender, willow-like leaves continue to look attractive through summer. As fall approaches, those same leaves turn a bright golden-yellow, adding a final splash of color to the garden before winter.
Blue Ice Amsonia works beautifully in borders, cottage gardens, pollinator plantings, or as a filler between showier perennials. It’s also a great choice for more naturalistic designs or native-inspired landscapes. Butterflies and bees are drawn to its blooms, and deer tend to leave it alone — another reason it’s becoming a favorite for Wisconsin gardeners.
Care is easy with this plant. It doesn’t need frequent dividing, and aside from cutting it back in late fall or early spring, there’s very little cleanup involved. A bit of compost in spring is usually all it needs to thrive year after year. It’s also relatively pest and disease free, making it a solid performer in a wide range of conditions.
Because of its compact size and uniform habit, Blue Ice is a great edging plant along pathways or in front of larger perennials like peonies, baptisia, or ornamental grasses. It’s also a nice complement to bold colors like red columbine or golden coreopsis. The cool blue flowers provide contrast without overwhelming a design.
At Heritage Hill Nursery, we love Blue Ice Amsonia for its elegance, dependability, and seasonal versatility. It’s one of those plants that doesn’t demand attention — but quietly enhances everything around it. Whether you’re designing a new garden bed or refreshing an existing space, this is a plant that brings lasting beauty with very little effort.
If you’re looking for a hardy, Wisconsin-friendly perennial with charm in every season, Blue Ice Amsonia is a smart choice. Visit us this week to see it in bloom — and discover why it’s one of our favorites for spring.