2011 Perennial of the Year:
Threadleaf Bluestar (Amsonia hubrechtii)

Each year the National Perennial Plant Association selects a perennial plant to be honored with the title of “Perennial Plant of the Year”. The qualifications include:

• Multiple seasons of interest
• Low maintenance
• Reliable garden performance over a wide geographic area
• Underutilized in American gardens
• Preference is given to plants native to North American

The plant selected to carry the title for 2011 is Threadleaf Bluestar (Amsonia hubrechtii). We at Monches Farm heartily agree with the selection of this plant as in our opinion it fits the qualifications perfectly.

Perhaps this plant’s greatest asset is its spectacular autumn foliage display. The feathery thread-like foliage turns a glowing golden yellow in autumn that, on a mature plant, is nothing short of breathtaking. There are few (actually – I can’t think of any!) perennials whose foliage is at its most beautiful in October! Almost every visitor to our growing fields and display gardens in September & October comments on the spectacular seasonal display offered by this plant.

Amsonia is slow to establish and resents disturbance once established so should be sited where it will remain. It has a graceful upright mounding form and will ultimately grow to shrub-like proportions, with a height of up to 36” and an almost equal spread. Clusters of palest steel-blue flowers are borne on the tips of the stems in late spring. We enjoy it as a companion plant to Siberian Iris as they bloom simultaneously and compliment each other in both texture and form.  The feathery foliage is attractive throughout the growing season. It is a wonderful softening presence when combined with plants having larger, heavier leaves but is definitely at its showiest when it attains its golden autumn hues.

With its designation as ‘Perennial of the Year’ hopefully many more gardeners will be bringing this very garden-worthy plant into their perennial borders.