Downy blue star has blue spring flowers and fine, airy foliage that turns yellow in autumn, forming a rounded perennial clump.
- Height
- 60–92 cm / 2–3 ft
- Spread
- 60–92 cm / 2–3 ft
- Light
- Full sun / Partial shade
- Soil moisture
- Dry
- Flowering
- Spring
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Maintenance
- Low
- USDA zones
- 5a–9b
Planting
Choose sandy, very well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Full sun gives the strongest autumn colour, while a little afternoon shade can extend the flowers.
Care
After flowering, cut stems back to around 20–25 cm / 8–10 in above the ground if a shorter, rounder clump is wanted.
Before planting: Too much shade can make the flower stems flop and weaken the autumn colour.
Planting Downy blue star?
Find a landscaper nearby to help with planting and establishment.
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Sources & photo credit
Plant reference: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Content checked . Flowering seasons vary with local climate; USDA zones describe winter cold tolerance.
- Downy blue star: Susan Strine · CC BY 2.0. Resized, converted to WebP and cropped for display.
- Eastern bluestar: Susan Strine · CC BY 2.0. Resized, converted to WebP and cropped for display.
- Threadleaf blue star: Cathy Dewitt · CC BY 4.0. Resized, converted to WebP and cropped for display.
- 'Dilys' geranium: Krzysztof Golik · CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized, converted to WebP and cropped for display.