Baptisia (False Indigo)

Baptisia ‘Purple Smoke’ (Photo: Phillip Oliver)

Baptisia (more commonly known as “False Indigo”) is a dramatic perennial that no garden should be without. Emerging from dormancy, sturdy stalks appear quickly and are soon adorned with brilliant pea-like flowers. Most varieties have blue flowers (akin to the native prairie plant) but hybridizers are introducing more and more exciting varieties to the market. ‘Purple Smoke’ is one of the best with charcoal-gray stems and smoky, purple flowers. ‘Solar Flare’ has yellow flowers with traces of salmon and blooms a bit later than ‘Purple Smoke’. Other varieties, including ‘Alba’ with white flowers, are available.

These perennials are easy to grow but sometimes need a year or so to get established. Plant in a sunny location (part shade is fine also) in well-drained, rich soil. Choose the location wisely as they do not like to be moved once established. Blooms will fade to dark seed pods which can be cut off or you might like to leave them for interest. This perennial is rarely bothered by pests and deer do not like the taste.

Look for baptisia in  the Sun Perennials section.

Baptisia ‘Solar Flare’ (Photo: Phillip Oliver)