Description

Baptisias are upright, bushy perennials with blue-green, clover-like foliage. Flowers are in spikes, and individual florets are pea-like. Flowers are followed by inflated seed pods that turn black with age. Seeds rattle around in the blackened pods which were once used as rattles for children. Fun to play with and ornamental! Baptisia have a long taproot and good drought tolerance. Grows best in full sun and average to poor, well-drained soil. Special value to native bees. ‘Plum Rosy’ flowers open mauve pink and lighten to near white with age. Both flower colors are present on the plant at the same time. Height: 3.5-4 ft. Spread: 3.5-4 ft. Family: Fabaceae Bloom time: May to June Sun: full sun to part shade Water: dry to medium According to Rutgers University, Baptisia are “rarely damaged” by deer. photo credit: Walters Gardens