Perennial of the year! Amsonia hubrichtii

Photo credit: Steven Sill/Perennial Plant Association

I am sooooo cool!

I just purchased Amsonia hubrichtii for a spot in my garden and, wouldn't you know it, it has been named perennial plant of the year for 2011 by the Perennial Plant Association!

Also known as "Arkansas blue star" or "thread-leaf blue star," this native perennial will form a mound about 36 inches high and 36 inches wide. It has blue flowers in late spring and bright yellow-gold fall color.

The growing requirements include:

The association chooses a plant every year that it believes homneowners can grow with confidence. For a list of past perennials of the year, you can visit the PPA website.

Photo credit: Melanie Blandford