Arkansas Blue Star

At a height of 24 to 36″, Amsonia hubrichtii looks best as a backdrop for shorter perennials. Its designation as the Perennial Plant of the Year for 2011 indicates that it’s not only attractive, but also adaptable and easy to grow in a variety of garden situations. The tall stems sport feathery foliage and are topped in late spring or early summer by pale blue, star-shaped flowers. In fall, the foliage turns a brilliant yellow. The plant prefers full sun to part shade and moist, rich soil. Cut stems back by about a third after flowering to prevent flopping, a common occurrence if planted in too shady a spot.