Maybe try another forum. Maybe you'll find someone to give you more firsthand info.

However, if you are looking for a bushy perennial with blue star-like flowers, you might be satisfied with one of the hardier Amsonia, aka bluestar. Each year, it grows a little larger, eventually becoming a neat 3x3' bush with clusters of blue starry flowers in late May/early June. Here is a site with pictures for your further information. At the site, type in Common Name: Eastern Bluestar, or change to Scientific Name and type Amsonia for even MORE varieties!

If you want them to live longer, I think you should try bringing one inside in a pot and keeping the white flies off of it. I do that with arctotis, and it seems like they have similar greyish fuzzy leaves, so who knows right? You could also try making a couple of cuttings. Good luck!