What: Baptisia “Purple Smoke,” or wild indigo, is a vigorous and tough perennial named for the vibrant, smokey violet-blue and purple flowers that stand lupine-like above the plant on strong charcoal colored stems. The flowers and stems contrast beautifully with the bright gray-green leaves that form a dense, bushy mass below.
Where: This plant grows best in full sun with well-drained soil, and it’s tolerant of sandy and clay situations. Rich organic soils and heavy fertilizing can make it floppy, and growing it in lean and poor soils will produce a more compact plant.
Size: Grows to 3 feet tall by 2 feet wide in 10 years.
Care: This is a very easy perennial with almost no health issues, but it is slow growing and resents being disturbed, so provide it with plenty of room in the garden. Once established, it is drought tolerant.
— greatplantpicks.org
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
