Announcing the 2011 Perennial Plant Association Perennial Plant of the Year:

Amsonia hubrichtii (Arkansas Blue Star)

Description

This southern native has very narrow, needle-like leaves that line the stems like bottle brushes. Surprisingly, they are soft as silk to the touch. From late spring through early summer, 2-3 inch wide clusters of small, light blue, star-shaped flowers are borne above the short mound of ferny foliage. After blooming, it quickly grows to reach a height of about 3 feet.

Landscape Uses

Amsonia adds a billowy, finely textured element to the landscape. It grows into a dense mass, much like a small shrub. The cool blue flowers can be useful in toning down adjacent flower colors.  Arguably the best feature of Amsonia is its fall color; the entire plant turns a stunning shade of golden yellow. It makes an excellent backdrop for fall-blooming perennials such as sedums and garden mums.

Origin

Amsonia hubrichtii is native to fields and meadows in the midwest.  It can be found growing naturally in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.

Culture

Amsonia thrives in most gardens with little care. It is low-maintenance, easy to grow and trouble-free. Plant it in full sun or partial shade and moist soil of average fertility. If grown in too much shade or very rich soil, its habit will be open and floppy. This plant grows fairly large but it will not need to be divided for many years. Cutting the stems back to within 6-8" of the ground after flowering will result in fuller growth.  Hardy in zones 4-9.

Availability

Amsonia hubrichtii is sold out for this season, but it will be available again in Fall 2010.  We offer this plant in bare root form which is a distinct advantage over other suppliers who only offer plugs.  Our #1 grade bare root Amsonia have 5-8 eyes each, which will form a much fuller finished plant in your gallon containers.  See photo above.

We also proudly offer these plants which were runners up for the 2011 Perennial Plant of the Year:

grass-Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' (Upright Switch Grass)
This dark green switch grass is one of the most rigidly upright, clumping selections of Panicum ever offered.  It is rarely knocked over by wind, rain, or even snow.  Roy Diblik from Northwind Perennial Farm, who introduced this variety, describes its unique flower stalks as being similar to an arranged bouquet placed in the center of the clump of foliage. Most of the seed heads are situated in the middle of the clump, rather than arching away from it like most other grasses. 'Northwind' blooms in late summer and is a fast grower.  Height: 5-6'  Spread: 3-4'  Hardy in zones 4-9.  This item is currenly available in 20ct (65mm) plugs.

Heliopsis 'Loraine Sunshine' PP10690 (False Sunflower)
This is a one of a kind variegated Heliopsis introduced by Blooms of Bressingham®.  It forms a dense, upright clump of white leaves with extensive green veining that turns darker green late in the season. From July to frost (in Michigan), golden yellow, single, daisy-like flowers appear on the erect, branched stems.  Height: 30"  Spread: 18-24"  Hardy in zones 3-9.  This item is sold out for this season, but it will be available again in Fall 2010 in #1 grade bare root.

Heuchera 'Caramel' PP16560 (H. villosa hybrid--Coral Bells)
'Caramel' was the first introduction in a group of H. villosa hybrids from Thierry Delabroye of France, and this species opened up a whole new realm of possibilities for Heuchera in the hot, humid midwest and northeast. It has proven to be a robust grower with large, fuzzy, bright amber yellow to orange leaves and a nicely compact, rounded habit. It looks great in containers or as edging. Heuchera villosa is native to the southeastern United States and therefore exhibits an increased tolerance of high heat and humidity over some other species. Though 'Caramel' produces cream flowers in midsummer, it is grown more for its colorful and robust foliage. Height: 12" Scape Height: 14" Spread: 12-15" Hardy in zones 4-9. This item is currently available in 20ct (65mm) and 72ct (35mm) Elle Plugs.

To view a list of past PPA Perennial Plant of the Year winners, click here.
To learn how the PPA Perennial Plant of the Year is selected, click here