2011 Perennial of the Year

This year, the Perennial Plant Association has named Amsonia hubrichtii, more commonly known as Amsonia or Arkansas Blue Star, as the perennial of the year.  It truly is a plant for the seasons:

In Spring, it is covered with small blue star-shaped flowers:

It’s foliage is very delicate, like a thread leaf.

And, in Fall, this is what you can expect:

  

 

From Garden Rant

The amsonia plant grows to 3-feet tall x 3-feet wide in a soft billowy mound and is a native of Arkansas and Oklahoma.  It thrives in full sun to part shade in zones 4 through 9.  Although I live in zone 8, I have yet to see one growing here.  I must get one to see how it grows in my garden.

How does a plant get such an honor you ask?  Each year, the Perennial Plant Association “Perennial Plant of the Year” committee selects four plants to be voted on by members of the association.  Each plant must be suitable for a wide range of climate types; be low maintenance; be easily propagated; and must exhibit multiple seasonal interest. 

To see past Perennial Plant of the Year winners go Here.