Fairfax County Master Gardeners

Perennial Plant Association named Amsonia hubrichtii (Arkansas amsonia, Arkansas blue star) as its 2011 Perennial Plant of the Year. Native to the Ouachita Mountains in central Arkansas, this bushy plant produces light blue star-shaped flowers and fine, feathery ¾-inch long foliage. It blooms during April and May. The flower color lightens in warmer temperatures. Univ. of Ga. horticulture professor Allan Armitage said the plant makes an outstanding display, particularly in the fall when the leaves turn a golden yellow color. This low maintenance, full sun plant is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9. Baptisia australis (false blue indigo) is the 2010 Perennial Plant of the Year.