The Perennial Plant Association has named Amsonia hubrichtii (pronounced am-SO-nee-ah hew-BRIK-tee-eye) the perennial plant of the year for 2011. Its common names include Arkansas blue star, narrow leaf blue star and thread leaf blue star, giving a hint to its native range in Arkansas and Oklahoma and also a good description of its flowers and leaves.
The leaves are very fine, similar to of those of thread-leaf coreopsis or our locally invasive yellow-flowered butter-n-eggs. Amsonia, however, grows in a dense mounded form, much like a small shrub. Above the ferny foliage it bears beautiful two- to three-inch clusters of light blue star-shaped flowers in May and June. Imagine a hyacinth but with the flowers held a little more loosely. The foliage remains light green throughout the summer, but in fall turns a spectacular bright golden yellow which is actually the main reason many people grow it.
Amsonia will grow successfully in our area and does best in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Too much shade will cause the 36-inch tall stems to flop. Once established, the plant is drought tolerant, and can tolerate a season of neglect. The stems contain a milky sap that makes it unappealing to deer. Insect problems and diseases are rare.
While amsonia can be propagated by seed and softwood cuttings, the easiest way is to dig and divide the plant in spring.
Here is how the Perennial Plant Association describes amsonia and some plants it recommends to combine with it. “This blue star adds a billowy, finely-textured feature to the perennial landscape. The cool blue flowers are useful for toning down adjacent flower colors. The colors of the foliage and flowers blend easily with other plants. The stunning pale pumpkin fall color of the foliage creates an excellent combination with purple coneflower, gayfeather, and ornamental grasses. Try a combination of Black Lace elderberry and Arkansas blue star. The brilliant yellow foliage of amsonia combined with the dark foliage of elderberry is a knockout combination. Arkansas blue star can be used in sunny borders, cottage plantings, native gardens, and in large container plantings. The ornamental qualities and many uses make amsonia an invaluable perennial garden plant.”
A quick internet search of garden catalog sites didn’t turn up many companies selling amsonia, but the ones that did offer it varied in price from $4.95 to $12.95 per plant. Perhaps it will be offered in our local nurseries this year.
The requirements for a plant to be selected Perennial Plant of the Year are that it be suitable for a wide range of climate types, is low maintenance, be easily propagated and exhibits multiple seasons of interest. How could amsonia not win?
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