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Baptisia are among the aristocrats of the
perennial garden. These sturdy, easy to grow native
plants add a wonderful punch of color to the border. The
species, Baptisia australis, is a beautiful dark blue-violet
in color. These deer resistant, drought tolerant, native
plants usually obtain a height in the area of 3 feet. All of the Baptisia attract butterflies. After flowering, their
beautiful, large black seed pods add another season of
interest. The more recent introductions which offer a wide array of
colors have increased their popularity to an even greater
level. Each cultivar is a unique beauty. Baptisia are
extremely low maintenance. In poor dry soil there is little
attention needed. All you do is cut them to the ground in
either fall or early spring. If your soil is richer or
if they are extremely happy, they may flop a little after
flowering or may be too wide for their spot. If this
happens, cut them to the ground as soon as the flowers fade.
You lose the extra added interest of the seed pods, but they
will bounce back and produce a low flush of leaves that is
attractive well into the fall. All of the Baptisia are
winners!
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