Bulbs that bloom in early spring-such as daffodils, tulips, snowdrops, and irises-can add a pop of color before Baptisia begins it show.Echinacea purpurea, which has a long bloom time lasting from April through September, would look fabulous planted in front of Baptisia-it sits a little lower, reaching about 1 to 3 feet tall.The seed pods in fall can be enjoyed in dried flower arrangements.īaptisia provides blooms from late spring to summer, so pair it with plants that begin blooming in early spring or late summer and into fall. Add to a cut-flower garden for long-lasting indoor bouquets.There are many ways to use baptisia, and here are a few suggestions: BAPTISIA PICTURESīaptisia is right at home in cottage gardens, meadow and native plant gardens, as well as pollinator gardens. The frost-nipped foliage will blacken, but the attractive seed pods add interest to the winter garden. End-of-season care:Ĭut your plants back to the ground after the first hard frost in fall or before new growth emerges in the spring. If your plants tend to flop, secure them to a peony ring or other support in early spring. Support:īaptisias don't normally require staking, but may need some support if they're grown in partial shade. Because they are legumes, baptisias supply their own fertilizer through the nitrogen-fixing bacteria on their roots (see All About Roots). If you must divide them, wait until spring and dig deeply to avoid cutting into the root system. Transplanting and dividing is best done while your plants are still young. Dividing:īecause mature baptisias have thick, long taproots, they don’t fare well if you try to uproot and divide them. You do not need to prune back Baptisia in the fall. If you want seedpods to form, forego extensive pruning and let your plants go to seed. However, you can cut back plants by as much as a third in midsummer to shape them to your liking, just as you would when pruning shrubs. Pruning and deadheading:īaptisias will rarely rebloom if deadheaded, and doing so will prevent the development of the attractive seedpods. Once they take root, they are very drought-tolerant thanks to their extensive root system. Keep soil evenly moist until plants become established. Soil:Īverage, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic Watering: To see the growth habit of Baptisia, view this short video (less than 2 minutes) to see an established Decadence® Deluxe ‘Pink Lemonade’ Baptisia. Rarely bothered by insect pests or foliar diseasesĭecadence® Deluxe 'Pink Lemonade' Baptisia.However, newer hybrids, such as the Decadence® series from Proven Winners, offer more colors, including bright yellow, pink, sapphire, and even bicolors. alba, are typically limited to shades of blue, purple, and white. Flower colors and characteristicsįlorets are shaped like pea blossoms and are borne loosely on elegant 12- to 24-inch spires. Plants grown from seeds may take 2 or 3 years to bloom and as long as 5 years to reach their full, shrublike appearance. In cooler weather, bloom times may be longer. Typically 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the temperature. Late spring to early summer Length of bloom In too much shade, plants may get lanky and bloom less profusely. Height/spread:įull sun is the ideal environment for Baptisia, though they do tolerate light shade. Pests: Plants are relatively pest resistant if cultural preferences are met.Typically hardy in zones 3-9 for wild species 4-9 for cultivated hybrids. Transplanting is difficult due to its deep taproot system 3, 4. Dead stems should be cut within 18” of the ground in late fall 2. Do not allow mulch to touch the plant stems 18. ![]() ![]() Modify water recommendations to reflect site drainage and rainfall. Keep soil moist until plant is established, then apply enough water to thoroughly moisten the root zone when the soil is dry or during drought. At planting, water the roots and surrounding area slowly and deeply. Siting: Baptisia australis grows best in moist, well-drained soil and in full sun conditions. Baptisia australis also serves as a host plant for many butterfly species. 16 Features: Blue false indigo features striking blue and violet flowers along tall, upright stalks in late spring followed by interesting black seed pods 3. Latin name: Baptisia australis Common name: Blue false indigo Flowers: Blue to violet flowers bloom along 10-12” long, upright stalks 3, 12 Fruit: Two to 2.5” black pods follow flowering period 3, 12 Height & Width: 3-4’ x 4’ 3 Type: Herbaceous perennial 12 Habit: Upright 12 Wetland indicator category**: Not available 17 Texture: Medium 4 Growth rate: Medium 4 Light: Full sun to part shade 4, 12 Moisture: Medium 3, 10 Soil*: Tolerates clay, shallow, rocky soil Acidic (pH<6.8), Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2) 10, 12 Zones: 3-8 3 Origin: Midwestern to Southeastern United States, including South Carolina.
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