Bluestar True 'Storm Cloud'

About this plant

Amsonia tabernaemontana 'Storm Cloud' is a show-stopping perennial from the Proven Winners® collection, boasting intensely dark, nearly black stems that emerge in spring. These unique stems provide a striking backdrop for the star-shaped, periwinkle-blue flowers that appear in late spring to early summer, creating a truly unforgettable garden presence. Beyond its exquisite floral display, 'Storm Cloud' offers exceptional year-round interest. Its finely textured, dark green foliage forms an elegant, mounding habit, and in autumn, it transforms into a brilliant golden-yellow, extending the season of color. This robust and adaptable native perennial is an excellent choice for borders, mass plantings, or as a specimen plant, providing dynamic texture and color to any garden design with minimal fuss.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established. Cut back stems by one-half after flowering to encourage dense growth and prevent flopping. No serious pest or disease problems.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.