I wasn't impressed with the species. Insipid flower color and very ho-hum fall color. It is not one of the plants that is making the move with me :-)

I might be persuaded to try Butterscotch next season. Its fall color would nicely compliment my maple collection

I don’t know but I have planted both this fall, and small species ones last year. However I am wondering if it’s a big mistake regarding how much moisture they may need. I have read, never let dry out, vs. drought resistant once gets established.

I planted little quart one in my dry , poor soil wild area, and they came up again this spring, but look like are struggling, though maybe I could hope they are “ establishing” . So I came across some much bigger specimens recently, and am planting in my close to house bed that I water.

If enough space I can see having both, the texture is so different— the lovely soft hazy look of the species wheres Butterscotch has more distinct leaves, but yes the nursery ones were bright caramel.

Also I may not have enough sun for best performance, as do not have 12- hr sun anywhere due to trees, but more like 6? So will see.

Following this with interest for any cultivation tips as well.

"the texture is so different— the lovely soft hazy look of the species wheres Butterscotch has more distinct leaves"

Interesting, I was under the impression that they have the same foliage texture.

Amsonia h. gets wonderful fall colour here. Where are you located?

I'm in Willamette Valley OR and we get intense sun and heat all summer. Perhaps gardengal48 on the Salish Sea doesn't get enough of that?

artinnature, these do not. It is like Blue Ice, which has broader distinct leaves.

There is quite a bit of variability in the fall color amongst my several A. hubrichtii (straight species). This one is usually the ”best” and reminiscent of descriptions I’ve read about ’Butterscotch’.

gardengal or sah67, any input on water requirements or getting through periods with no rain/ no supplemental water?

After initial establishment, I haven't given any of my Amsonias any supplemental watering and they've all handled periods of drought and hot temperatures just fine. As GG alluded to, the flowers on A. hubrichtii are nothing to write home about (compared to some of the newer hybrids), but I grow them mainly as a foliage/textural plant.

I planted several of a cultivar of A. tabernaemontana (tolerates periods of brief flooding) and there is no fall color--just a dirty yellow brown. Very disappointing

Sah67 - Really great fall color on that plant!

I didn't have room for A. hubrichtii so I bought 'Blue Ice' instead which was said to be smaller. It definitely is smaller but I was surprised that it doesn't get fall color at all. Right now it's still very green. It took quite awhile to establish, I remember but once it finally did, I've enjoyed a carefree plant and I just love the color of the spring bloom. It's a different blue. It's not a flashy plant at all.

So I just bought 'Butterscotch' this spring. It was mail order and the plant was tiny. One stem and it's still one stem. [g] So I can't be of any help at all.