Baptisia SOLAR FLARE PRAIRIEBLUES� ('Solar Flare' PP20408)

Baptisia SOLAR FLARE PRAIRIEBLUES™ ('Solar Flare' PP20408)

PRAIRIEBLUES™ Collection

Baptisia SOLAR FLARE PRAIRIEBLUES™ False Indigo

Common Name: False Indigo

Developed by Dr. Jim Ault of the Chicago Botanic Garden, this is a selection from open-pollinated seed collected from a complex hybrid of Baptisia.

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.

Height:

3.0-4.0 Feet

Spread:

4.0-4.5 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

4,5,6,7,8,9

Flower Color:

Yellow/Gold 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:

Late Spring 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 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