This native perennial is easy to grow, deer-resistant, and attracts pollinators.
Native to North America where it grows in meadows and open woodlands,this perennial attracts pollinators.
Eastern bluestar offers the additionaldesirable features of deer resistanceand low maintenance.
Credit:Denny Schrock
Its willow-shaped green leaves turn an eye-catching yellow-gold in fall.
Use this perennial in garden beds, along fences, and in native habitat gardens.
It also works on slopes of rain gardens.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Just note that this perennial develops substantial roots and after five or more years is difficult to move.
Plant it where it has plenty of space to mature in place.
The best times to plant bluestar is mid-spring and fall.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
It’s easiest to start with young bluestar plantsavailable from garden centersor online nurseries.
Fill in with soil you removed from the hole, gently firming it around your bluestar plant.
Water well, and if the soil settles, add more soil to level out the ground again.
Credit:Marty Baldwin
Care Tips
Eastern bluestar is adrought-tolerant native plant that is low maintenance.
Light
Choose a spot infull sun or part shadewhere the area receives a half day of sun.
In shady areas, the stems will likely flop over and the plant will lose its upright shape.
Credit: Susan Gilmore
Apply supplemental water the first year if rainfall is scarce.
This may be more of a problem if planted in more shade, which will result in weaker stems.
At the end of the growing season, you might leave the plant standing for overwintering insects.
Credit: Courtesy of Walmart
Then,cut back the dead stems in springto make way for new growth.
Pests and Problems
Eastern bluestar is untroubled by most insects.
Plus, deer andrabbits tend to leave this plant alone.
Credit: Denny Schrock
The plant contains a latex sap that seems to act as a deterrent.
Propagating Eastern Bluestar
You candivide young eastern bluestar in springbefore new growth appears.
To start collected seeds, they’llneed cold stratification first.
Then, nick the seed coat and soak the seeds overnight before sowing.
Its pale blue starry flowers appear in mid-spring.
The stems and new leaves have small hairs, hence the “fringed” part of its name.
This bluestar is hardy in Zones 5-9.
It requires full sun and grows best in a well-drained location, but can withstand drought well.
It grows about 3.5 feet tall and is hardy in Zones 4-9.
Its ice-blue flower clusters are also a tiny bit smaller.
It’s hardy in Zones 5-9.
Plus, bees and butterflies will feed on the blooms of both native plants.
It grows in small, tight clumps with many bright flowers on each plant.
Its shape and form contrast nicely with bluestar.
This iris is also deer-resistant so it’s a good choice for areas where these animals roam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but they may not attract as many pollinators.
Eastern bluestar varieties are generally are either shorter or taller and have darker flowers than the species.
Some examples are ‘Blue Ice’, ‘Storm Cloud’, and ‘First Hit’.
The milky white sap of this plant may irritate skin.
Wear gloves when cutting back.
Eastern bluestar is not known to be poisonous to people or animals if ingested.
