Sun or Shade?:
Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Part shade (4-6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
Low water needs
Average water needs
Want to see wings?:
Need critter resistant plants?:
How fast should it grow?:
When should it bloom?:
Looking for seasonal interest?:
Attractive Seed Heads
How's your soil?:
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
All members of this series are produced from cuttings rather than from seed, resulting in more uniform finished plants.
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.