2011 Perennial Plant Of The Year

This blog is dedicated to the Perennial Plant of the Year for 2011 as selected by the Perennial Plant Association. The 2011 selection is the Arkansas blue star (Amsonia hubrichtii). This is a perennial I've known for many years and am a big fan of this specific plant for the very reasons it's being advocated as the "perennial for all seasons." Before I describe this plant, I should mention that the Perennial Plant Assocation (of which I'm a member) is a great trade assocation (incorporated in 1984) that is "dedicated to the improvement of the herbaceous perennial plant industry by providing education to enhance production, promotion and utilization of perennial plants." Visit http://www.perennialplant.org/ for more information. This Perennial Plant of the Year started in 1990 and the "winner" is selected by the members of the PPA (I voted for this one!). Above is a huge drift of Arkansas bluestar (also called threadleaf bluestar, narrowleaf bluestar and Hubricht's blue star) in spring with nice wispy, textural foliage. In early spring, that foliage (reaching 36" tall and wide) is covered with light blue flowers as seen below. While the flowers aren't overpowering, they are showy for roughly two weeks. The textural foliage then takes over for the summer (second photo down). This perennial prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Adaptable to a wide range of soils, this plant does prefer "moist and well drained" soils if possible. I've seen it used as a single specimen and perhaps more effectively, in larger drifts. We have Amsonia hubrichtii at RBG but I would like to have more! This species was named after Leslie Hubricht who first discovered this plant growing in Arkansas in 1942. The ferny, alternately arranged leaflets (3" long) are very fine, giving a soft, visual texture to this hardy plant (to zone 4). Once established, this perennial is drought tolerant, deer resistant and has no known insect or disease problems. There are many other species of Amsonia with some of the same characteristics. In very high pH soils, some chlorosis (early yellowing) of the foliage has been observed. The most dramatic feature of this perennial is when it starts going thru a color transition in to the fall. See below for the gradations of chartreuse in September to yellow/orange in October. The brilliant late season color of Arkansas bluestar should be combined with darker foliaged companions and with backdrops that accentuate that bright coloration. I'm glad the PPA is promoting this native perennial as I've been impressed with it every time I see it and think it has plenty of merit in the garden. Do remember to give it some fun "neighbors" to hang out with to maximize the appeal!