This tough perennial produces long-lasting wands of purplish-blue flowers in spring.
The flowers resemble those of peas or beans, which are in the same plant family.
TheBaptisiagenus comprises more than 20 species of which blue false indigo (Baptisia australis) is the most common.
Credit: Susan Gilmore
Originally, most baptisia plants produced flowers in shades of blue.
There are also varieties with a more compact growth habit.
Baptisia is toxic to humans.
Credit: Susan Gilmore
In small controls, baptisia looks good as a specimen.
Its shrub-like appearance makes it a good choice for the back of a border.
In larger landscapes, try a mass planting of baptisia.
Credit: Denny Schrock
With its dense foliage, the plant is attractive not only during bloom time but all season long.
In addition to other native perennials, midsized uprightornamental grassesmake good companion plants for baptisia.
In northern climates, plant it in the spring after the danger of frost has passed.
Credit: Bob Stefko
Place the plant in the hole and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball.
Gently tamp down the soil and water it well.
Keep it well-watered for the first growing season to allow the plant to establish a strong root system.
Credit: Perry Struse
The proper spacing depends on the variety.
Plant taller species 3 to 4 feet apart and smaller varieties 18 to 30 inches apart.
Baptisia Care Tips
Like most native plants, baptisia requires little maintenance.
Credit: Bob Lenz
Light
Although the plant tolerates part shade, for the best bloom, plant it infull sun.
The idealsoil pHis between 6.8 and 7.2.
Pests and Problems
Generally, baptisia is free of serious insect or disease problems.
Credit: Justin Hancock
In humid or crowded conditions, the plant can get powdery mildew.
How to Propagate Baptisia
Propagating baptisia can be challenging for several reasons.
Due to its deep taproot, the plant is not suitable to be divided.
Getting the seeds to germinate is difficult because of the very hard seed coat.
Plus, a plant started from seed may take three to four years to bloom.
Propagating baptisia fromstem cuttingsis the best option although it also requires proper timing and patience.
Take a cutting of the new, soft growth in the spring.
As the season progresses and the stems harden, the success rate drops significantly.
Dip the cut end of the cutting in rooting hormone.
Fill a 4-inch pot with damp potting mix and insert the cutting in the mix.
Keep the soil evenly moist at all times.
It takes about 8 weeks for the cutting to root.
It grows 2 to 4 feet tall and about 2 feet wide.
The stems and stalks are charcoal gray.
Zone 4-9
‘Purple Smoke’ Baptisia
This hybrid ofB.
albahassmoky violet flowers held loosely above gray-green foliage.
It reaches 2 to 3 feet in height and 2 to 4 feet in width.
Tall varieties look especially appropriate among shrubs, which in turn provide support.
Add black-eyed Susans to wildflower meadows or native plant gardens for a naturalized look.
Average soil is sufficient for black-eyed Susans, but it should be able to hold moisture fairly well.
It is rarely bothered by serious pests or diseases.
Allow it to spread so that you have at least a small stand of it.
Coneflowers bloom from summer to fall.
It produces jewel-tone, saucer-shaped flowers and mounds of handsome, lobed foliage.
Perennial geraniums may form large colonies.
Zone 3-9
Frequently Asked Questions
Baptisia has high wildlife value.
Birds feed on the seeds and songbirds use the plant for cover.
Deer usually leave the plant alone but might feed on it when there is no other food source around.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
Baptisia australis.North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
