Blue star (Amsonia hubrichtii) exhibits one of nature’s finest autumn foliar displays. This Arkansas native is a long-lived perennial and prospers here in the Southern Appalachian region (USDA zones 6 and 7). After its initial year in the garden, amsonia exhibits good heat and drought tolerances. 

Its fine textured needle -like foliage is very soft and airy. In the fall the foliage turns a stunning golden yellow and makes a lovely backdrop among other fall flowering perennials, such as asters and mums. Amsonia’s fall color stands apart against a background of tall evergreens.

In late spring (May) small light blue flowers open in abundance. Amsonia thrives in most soils and requires little maintenance throughout the year. Plants grow 3 ft. tall by 3 ft. wide and grow best in full or part sun. Stems tend to flop in shady areas. To maintain shorter more compact plants, prune them back to 6-8 inch height after flowering.

Arkansas blue star was selected the 2011 Perennial Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association.