Baptisia Solar Flare Prairieblues™ ('Solar Flare' PP20408) |
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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
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| | Common Name: False Indigo |
Developed by Dr. Jim Ault of the Chicago Botanic Garden, this new hybrid is a selection from open-pollinated seed collected from a complex hybrid of Baptisia [tinctoria x alba x australis.
Solar Flare Prairieblues™ has a unique flower color all its own. From late spring into early summer, the pea-like blossoms open lemon yellow, then take on a rusty orange blush as they age. Both yellow and orange flowers are present at the same time on the impressive 12-18 inch long spikes.
The large, shrub-like plant has blue-green foliage and an upright vase-shaped habit. It is reported to be a very vigorous grower with mature clumps bearing over 100 flowering stalks.
Baptisia is easy to grow and will thrive with little maintenance. There are many potential applications in the landscape including meadow plantings, as a backdrop in borders, or as a specimen. Plants are very long-lived once established.
Breeder: Dr. Jim Ault
Introducer: Chicagoland Grows®
Origin: Native Cultivar
Characteristics:
Height:
3-4 Feet
Spread:
48-54 Inches
Flower Color:
Yellow Shades
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Average water needs
Want to see wings?:
Attracts butterflies
Need critter resistant plants?:
Deer resistant
How fast should it grow?:
Slow
When should it bloom?:
Late spring
Early summer
How's your soil?:
Poor Soil
Average Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
Prairie
Rain Garden
Eclectic
Baptisia grows best in full sun, though it tolerates light shade. If grown in too much shade, plants may require staking. Baptisia is easily grown in poor to average soil that is well-drained. Once established, it is moderately drought tolerant because of its tough, deep taproot.
This perennial native may take a couple of seasons to become established, but is very long-lived once mature. Avoid disturbing established clumps.
The genus name Baptisia comes from the Greek word bapto, meaning to dip, referring to its use as a substitute dye for indigo. The common name for Baptisia, False Indigo, also refers to this practice.
From the Fabaceae Family, or the Bean or Pea Family.
Tantalizing Trivia: Baptisia australis was the first ever subsidized agricultural crop in America.