2011 Perennial Plant of the Year

Add season long interest to your garden with the 2011 Perennial Plant of the Year.

Amsonia hubrichtii, is a deserving winner that is worthy of a spot in everyone’s garden. Also known as Arkansas blue star this plant provides season long interest. The light blue star shaped flowers cover the plant from late spring to early summer. The narrow leaves create an airy feel, making Amsonia easy to blend with other plants. In fall the leaves turn from green to bright yellow-gold and just glow in the autumn garden.

Grow this plant in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils for best results. Once established, this plant tolerates drought and the deer tend to leave them be.

Hardy in zones 4 to 9 this perennial grows up to 3 feet tall and wide. One of my favorite combinations is Amsonia mixed with globemaster allium and tiger eyes sumac. The colors and textures of all three plants make a stunning season-long combination.

A bit more information: Perennial Plants of the Year are selected by members of the Perennial Plant Association (PPA). Winners must be suited to a wide range of climate conditions, low maintenance, easy to propagate and provide multi-season interest. PPA is comprised of designers, growers, landscape maintenance professionals, educators and other professionals that work with perennials.