Baptisia ‘Grape Taffy’ (False Indigo)

Very compact, Baptisia ‘Grape Taffy’ (False Indigo) is an upright, densely branched perennial bearing sturdy spikes of pea-shaped, deep reddish-purple flowers in late spring to early summer. Reminiscent of grapes, each flower is accented by a buff yellow keel. When the flowers fade away, the fresh green foliage, which forms a bushy, spreading 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.

• 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 24-30 in. tall (60-75 cm) and 30-36 in. wide (75-90 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.