Amsonia orientalis

Amsonia orientalis is a semi-shrubby perennial plant with strong stems that turn woody at the base, forming large bushy clumps that can reach nearly 1m (3ft) in height. The blue-violet flowers are a very open tube shape, grouped in a panicle and blooming abundantly between July and September. The 6cm (2in) long leaves are dark green, narrow and lanceolate with smooth edges, resembling those of a willow. The deciduous foliage takes on beautiful warm hues in autumn before disappearing for winter.

Unlike its cousins in the genus, Amsonia orientalis is native to northeastern Greece and northwestern Turkey, where it has almost disappeared. These hardy oriental Amsonias grow easily in full sun or partial shade, in well-drained and moist soil that does not dry out in summer.

A magnificent ornamental plant for gardens, its dense foliage enhances all its neighbours. You can easily integrate it into a perennial bed alongside asters, camassias or bellflowers.

The genus name comes from the Virginian physician Charles Amson (18th century).