White Flower Farm
Amsonia 'Blue Ice'
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners managing deer-prone, clay-heavy landscapes.
Amsonia 'Blue Ice' is a resilient perennial ground cover that offers year-round appeal. It blooms with star-shaped, periwinkle-blue flowers in late spring and early summer, transitioning to a beautiful golden yellow in autumn. Its glossy, willow-shaped leaves provide consistent texture throughout the season. This plant thrives in heat and clay soil, spreading gradually. Its milky sap deters deer, though gloves are recommended for handling. It prefers full sun to part shade and is a long-lived, low-maintenance addition to the garden.
$18.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 2688
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-35%
Below average
Hardiness Zone
4910
/ USDA -S/W
Who it's for
- Landscapers prioritizing multi-season visual interest
- Gardeners seeking unique, cool-toned spring blooms
- Busy homeowners wanting low-maintenance, pest-resistant plants
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for mass-market value
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, full-sized results
- Low-effort gardeners avoiding seasonal maintenance tasks
Performance breakdown
Deer Resistance
Milky sap acts as a natural deterrent against hungry garden visitors.
Soil Adaptability
Thrives in challenging clay conditions where other perennials often struggle.
Seasonal Interest
Transitions beautifully from spring blooms to vibrant golden autumn foliage.
Maintenance Effort
A low-intervention plant that rarely requires dividing or special care.
Hardiness Range
Robust performance across a wide variety of USDA climate zones.
Growth Habit
Gradual spreading creates a reliable, consistent ground cover over time.
Key Specs
Hardiness Zone
USDA 4-9S/10W
Mature Height
15-18 inches
Mature Spread
18-24 inches
Exposure
Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Time
May-June
Soil Type Preference
Clay
Ships as
BAREROOT
SKU
S21585
Features
- Offers year-round foliage and seasonal color
- Virtually deer-proof due to milky sap
- Reliable performer in heat and clay soil
- Produces star-shaped, periwinkle-blue flowers
- Excellent choice for edging damp sites
- Low maintenance; rarely needs dividing
- Provides golden yellow color in autumn
- Shiny, willow-shaped leaves all season
What customers say
Gardeners highly value Amsonia Blue Ice for its exceptional reliability and multi-season beauty. It offers striking deep lavender blue flowers in late spring, followed by brilliant golden foliage in the fall, ensuring late season interest. Its robust nature includes high tolerance for various soils and strong resistance to deer and rabbits, making it a worry-free perennial. While the long term quality is praised, some customers feel the initial size of the shipped plant material is small relative to the premium price. However, the consensus confirms that the durable, low maintenance beauty ultimately justifies the investment as the plant matures.
Know before you buy
This variety is specifically noted for its ability to thrive in clay soil, making it an excellent choice for gardens where other perennials might struggle with drainage or compaction.
Yes, it is considered deer-resistant because it contains a milky sap that deer find unappealing. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, this is a reliable option for gardens prone to browsing.
It is a low-maintenance perennial that rarely requires dividing. Simply enjoy the foliage through the seasons and clear away any dead growth in late winter or early spring to make room for new shoots.
Since this plant reaches a mature spread of 18 to 24 inches, you should space them about 2 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and natural growth.
Absolutely. Beyond its periwinkle-blue flowers in late spring, it offers glossy, willow-shaped leaves throughout the summer and transitions to a striking golden yellow color in the autumn.
Because the plant contains a milky sap, it is recommended that you wear gloves when handling it to avoid potential skin irritation.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$18