Superior selection with nearly black sprouts in early spring, very dark stems for the whole season, bluish flowers in early spring (for 4-6 weeks), and yellow foliage color in the fall (the more sun, the better the fall color). This tough, adaptable, and long-lived perennial is completely deer and rabbit resistant.
‘Storm Cloud,’ like any other Amsonia, takes its time to grow and needs several years to achieve full mature size (this is always proof of the longevity of the plant). The young plants form upright, vase-shaped clumps that age to wide, rounded, shrubby-looking mounds. This cultivar is heat, humidity, and black walnut tolerant and grows well deeper in the south as well as in northern areas. It attracts some pollinators in the spring and doesn’t suffer from pests or diseases.
Blooming Time: May Size: mounds up to 24-30″ tall x 30-42″ wide USDA Zones: 4 to 9 Culture: full sun, half shade (4-6 hours of sun), virtually any soil (including clay) Moisture Needs: average – don’t plant in waterlogged soil Origin: the species of Amsonia tabernaemontana is native to southern states (from Texas) diagonally across the USA to northeastern states (see the USDA distribution map) Deer/Rabbit Resistant: yes / yes Attracts Butterflies or Pollinators: yes / yes Attracts Hummingbirds: no Pot Size: square 3.5″ x 4″ deep perennial pot Plant Combinations: goes well with many shorter or taller perennials and grasses for sun/half sun/half shade; the look reminds of a smaller shrub, so it can be used alongside true shrubs Picture Copyright: Walters Gardens
