Baptisia 'Indigo Spires' PP26750

Common Name: False Indigo

This Baptisia greatly impressed us in our trials with its perfect habit and heavy flower production. Unlike some Baptisia which can be tall and leggy, ‘Indigo Spires’ forms a densely branched, fully rounded clump of glaucous green foliage that extends far down the stems, leaving little bare stem showing at the base.

In early summer, 12-15” long spikes of deep violet purple flowers accented by a yellow keel are borne on all sides of the rounded clump, not just at the top, producing a bigger show of color overall. Secondary flower spikes extend the flowering time into midsummer.

This perennial could easily be used in place of a shrub in the landscape where it will be extremely long lived and require little care to thrive year after year.

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.

Height:

3.5-4.0 Feet

Spread:

3.5 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Purple shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Poor Soil Quality Average Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Summer

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads

Growth Rate:

Slow

Garden Style:

Eclectic Prairie Rain Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Drought Tolerant Salt Tolerant Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Native to North America

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.

Fun Facts

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.

Characteristics