Baptisia ‘Dutch Chocolate’ (False Indigo)

Very floriferous and compact, Baptisia ‘Dutch Chocolate’ (False Indigo) is an upright, densely branched perennial bearing sturdy spikes of pea-shaped, velvety rich chocolate-purple flowers in late spring to early summer. When the flowers fade away, the blue-green foliage, which forms a bushy mound, remains neat all season and creates a lovely backdrop for the other perennials in the garden. If left untrimmed, the plant forms interesting seedpods turning charcoal-black in the fall and persisting into winter. Great for small gardens!

Long-lived, this hybrid Baptisia belongs to the Decadence Series noted for its desirable flower colors and shorter, more compact habit.

• Blooming in late spring to early summer, it is an extremely valuable addition to the garden and its seedpods help create lovely winter decorations.
• Spreads by underground rhizomes and typically grows up to 30-36 in. tall (75-90 cm) and 24 in. wide (60 cm).
• Requirements are fairly simple: Full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Although it will grow in some shade, this plant tends to become leggy and may require staking. Tolerates poor soils and drought. Do not disturb once established as it develops a deep taproot that is easily damaged if you try to transplant it.
• Attracts scores of butterflies and hummingbirds. Baptisia is rabbit resistant and rarely bothered by deer as they consider it unpalatable.
• Looks stunning in beds and borders, cottage gardens, prairies or meadows, and native plant gardens. Great as a specimen plant or in small groups.
• Trimming foliage after bloom helps maintain a rounded plant appearance, but you will miss out on the attractive seed pods which are great to use in dried flower arrangements.