Description
‘Blue Ice’ bluestar (Amsonia) produces clusters of light blue flowers in late spring to early summer, on spreading plants that typically reach 12 to 18 inches tall. This popular selection is apparently a hybrid, but its origin is uncertain. Most sources say that it doesn’t set seed, and I would have agreed with that. But last year, and this year, I did find some seedpods and was able to collect some viable-looking seeds. These are NOT seeds of ‘Blue Ice’, but rather, ex (out of) ‘Blue Ice’. (If you want to grow the true ‘Blue Ice’, you need to start with a vegetatively propagated plant.)
If you collect bluestars and/or enjoy experimenting with unusual seeds, these seeds could be very interesting. I sowed a batch for myself in the fall of 2019 and ended up with six plants in 2020. I’m hoping they will start flowering in the summer of 2021, so I have a better idea of what they’ll look like. Full sun to light shade. Perennial; Zones 3 to 9, probably.
Harvested in October 2020. At least 8 seeds.
Please read the germination information as well before ordering.
LUCINDA KOPINSKY (verified owner) –
I planted 12 seeds and only 3 grew.
Hi there, Lucinda. I so appreciate you taking the time to leave reviews on your experience; thank you! I’m really interested to hear that you already have three seedlings from the Amsonia ex ‘Blue Ice’ seeds. That’s great, actually. As I indicate in the germination information in the listing, the seeds should be given a chilling period, either naturally by sowing outdoors in fall or artificially in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 months. Since you purchased these seeds in late May and it’s only mid-July, I’m guessing you started them without any chilling period. So, getting anything is a wonderful surprise. If you leave the pot outside through the winter, it is very likely that the remaining seeds will germinate next spring!
-Nan