Amsonia 'Seaford Skies' (Blue Star)

A garden hybrid of Amsonia hubrichtii and Amsonia tabernaemontana, this perennial herb originated in the garden of plantswoman Pamela Harper in Seaford, Virginia. It forms an upright clump about 2 to 3 feet tall. Narrow, willow-shaped leaves accompany terminal clusters of sky-blue, star-shaped flowers in late spring. The foliage turns bright yellow in autumn, extending its ornamental season well beyond flowering. Mature clumps can spread about 5 feet across. The flowers attract butterflies, while deer tend to avoid the plant. Photographed in Virginia.