It forms new stalks each year as the old ones die when there's a hard freeze. I leave mine up after freeze until it looks ratty and then cut it down to near ground level, but you could cut it back as soon as the foliage dies. In a year with little early snow, that might be in December, but in years with a lot of snow, it gets buried and I cut it back in spring before it starts sprouting. Mine had an unusual amount of red in it this year. Most years it is a lovely clear gold. From October, 2013 This post was edited by nhbabs on Fri, Dec 13, 13 at 6:38

Bakemom, I've had these plants in the gardens, winter sowed at least three years ago, and they still haven't bloomed. Could you tell me what kind of soil and the sun exposure yours' have? The foliage is great but I'd like to see this plant in flower. I know my issue is not too much nitrogen since one stand of five plants did not get any feedings this year. Another bunch did get a bit of my secret mix which includes alfalfa pellets, bone meal, and corn meal. The soil is lean in both areas and they have full sun. My Asclepias Incarnatas have these big pods that are taking their time ripening. Been waiting for at least a moth and a half on one bunch. So what's up with that, eh?? Are the seeds teasing us this year? :O)

They winter sow just fine. I just toss them in the container like everything else. They will germinate nearly 100%. Seems to me that I germinated some in late fall without the benefit of freeze, but I can't swear to that. It's a lovely plant. You got the first harvest of seed. Enjoy!

Roberta, I'm not sure which Amsonia you have. Probably either Amsonia hubrichtii or Amsonia tabernaemontana. I have grown Amsonia tabernaemontana for a number of years and have found that after the plant gets established (after about 3 years) you will find a lot of little seedlings popping up around the adult plants. Germination seems to be no problem. IronBelly