Amsonia 'Storm Cloud' features dramatic dark stems and stormy blue flower buds that open to pale blue stars in mid spring. Emerging foliage is nearly black before maturing to rich green, adding bold contrast and early season drama. Its upright form resists flopping and maintains visual interest into fall when leaves take on yellow tones.
Height & Spread: 24 - 30 in x 24 - 30 in
Bloom Time: Mid spring
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This is a cultivated selection of Amsonia tabernaemontana, native to the southeastern United States and widely adapted to garden use.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Visited by long tongued bees, mining bees, and bumblebees during mid spring bloom.
Butterflies
- Nectar source for Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, and other spring butterflies.
Moths
- Supports larval stages of clearwing and noctuid moths, particularly in native plant settings.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 24 - 30 in apart for upright form and clump development.
Landscape Placement
- Use in mid borders, native plantings, or bold groupings for early structure and long season performance.
Companion Plants
- Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master) - Offers contrasting texture and late season flowering height.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Wood Sage) - Brings strong vertical lines and deep purple flowering alongside dark Amsonia stems.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Matches mid height and supports later season pollinators.
- Liatris spicata (Blazing Star) - Provides color transition from spring to summer while attracting butterflies and bees.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' (Tickseed) - Softens structure with long blooming yellow flowers and fine texture.