Ozark bluestar

Year-round

Shining bluestar is a tough, mounded perennial with pale blue flowers and gold fall leaves. In Lancaster it does well in sun or light shade with almost no fuss.

• Plant in full sun to part shade in soil that drains well.
• Too much shade can make stems flop and need staking.
• Light blue flowers show up in late spring.
• Leaves turn yellow in fall.

Gold fall color is usually a plus for curb appeal, and the tidy mound shape suits a front bed.

Fall

The narrow leaves turn gold to yellow in fall, which makes this a good fall color plant.

• Enjoy the yellow foliage and leave it in place.
• Fall is a fine time to divide or move plants.
• Water new plants if autumn stays dry.
• Wait to cut back until the leaves drop.

Winter

The plant is dormant. Nothing is needed until new shoots appear.

• Cut stems down to a few inches in late winter if you like a tidy bed.
• Zone 6b to 7a winters are within its hardiness range.
• No winter watering is needed.
• Mulch lightly around young plants only.

Spring

Growth starts in spring and flowers open from May into June. Dividing is best done around this time.

• Divide clumps in spring if they get too big.
• Water new plants weekly during their first season.
• Skip rich fertilizer, which can make stems sprawl.
• Expect pale blue star flowers in clusters.

Summer

After flowers fade the plant is a neat green mound. Trim it back lightly if it is getting floppy.

• Cut stems back by about a third after flowering for a rounder shape.
• Water deeply during long dry spells while it is young.
• Established plants handle most summer weather alone.
• Pull any seedlings you do not want.