Amsonia 'Halfway to Arkansas'
Amsonia 'Halfway to Arkansas' is a compact selection of Arkansas blue star with narrow green foliage and clusters of soft blue star shaped flowers that appear in late spring. Its tidy rounded habit and fine textured leaves provide long lasting structure in the garden while offering attractive seasonal color as the foliage turns golden in fall.
Height & Spread: 18 - 24 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Late spring
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Average to well drained soil
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This selection is a cultivated form of Amsonia developed from species native to North America. It retains the durability and ecological value of native blue star while offering a more compact habit suited for ornamental landscapes.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies including Swallowtails and skippers which visit the clusters of blue flowers for nectar in late spring.
Bees
- Supports native bees and bumblebees which forage among the small star shaped blooms for nectar and pollen.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to allow the rounded clumps to develop while maintaining good air circulation.
Landscape Placement
- Well suited for sunny borders, native plantings, cottage gardens, and mixed perennial beds where its blue flowers and golden fall foliage add seasonal interest.
Companion Plants
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Meadow Sage) - Adds upright purple flower spikes that complement the soft blue blooms and extend pollinator interest.
- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' (Purple Coneflower) - Provides bold summer flowers and attracts additional pollinators after Amsonia finishes blooming.
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Brings upright native grass texture and warm fall color that pairs with Amsonia’s golden foliage.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' (Threadleaf Coreopsis) - Adds fine textured foliage and bright yellow flowers that contrast with the blue star shaped blooms.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Creates a strong late summer display with similar sun and soil preferences.