When comparing Amsonia ‘Storm Cloud’ and ‘Starstruck’, there are a few key differences to consider. As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have had the opportunity to observe and work with both of these plants, so I can provide you with a detailed answer.
1. Size and Compactness: ‘Starstruck’ is more compact compared to ‘Storm Cloud’. It tends to have a denser growth habit, with the foliage staying closer to the ground. On the other hand, ‘Storm Cloud’ has a more sprawling growth habit, with the foliage spreading out more.
2. Leaf Width: The leaves of ‘Starstruck’ are wider compared to ‘Storm Cloud’. This can give ‘Starstruck’ a more substantial and robust appearance. The wider leaves also provide a greater surface area for photosynthesis, which can contribute to the plant’s overall health and vigor.
3. Bloom Time: ‘Starstruck’ tends to bloom about 1-2 weeks later in the spring compared to ‘Storm Cloud’. This can be advantageous if you are looking to stagger the bloom times in your garden or if you want to extend the period of color from your Amsonia plants.
4. Flower Color: Both ‘Storm Cloud’ and ‘Starstruck’ produce clusters of star-shaped, pale blue flowers. The color of the flowers is very similar between the two cultivars, so this is not a significant point of difference.
5. Overall Appearance: ‘Starstruck’ has a more tidy and compact appearance, making it suitable for smaller garden spaces or areas where you want a more contained look. ‘Storm Cloud’, with its sprawling growth habit, can be a good choice for filling larger areas or for a more naturalistic garden design.
Personal Experience: I have grown both ‘Storm Cloud’ and ‘Starstruck’ in my own garden, and the differences mentioned above have been evident. I found that ‘Starstruck’ worked well in a smaller border, where its compactness and wide leaves created a striking visual impact. On the other hand, ‘Storm Cloud’ was a great choice for filling in a larger area, as its spreading growth habit created a beautiful carpet of foliage.
The main differences between Amsonia ‘Storm Cloud’ and ‘Starstruck’ lie in their size and compactness, leaf width, bloom time, and overall appearance. While both cultivars share similar flower colors, the differences mentioned above can help you choose the right plant for your specific garden design and preferences.
