Baptisia ‘Purple Smoke’ (False Indigo)

One of the oldest hybrid cultivars of false indigo, Baptisia ‘Purple Smoke’ is an upright, densely branched perennial bearing long spikes of pea-shaped, smoky violet flowers with a purple eye. A mature plant of 3-4 years can bear over 50 blooming stalks! Blooming in mid to late spring, the richly-colored blossoms contrast nicely with the near-black stems. They are held just above a dense, bushy mound of finely textured, gray-green foliage. Amazing showy in bloom, ‘Purple Smoke’ is quite vigorous, so allow space for its development.

• Spreads by underground rhizomes and typically grows up to 4-5 ft. tall (120-150 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 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.