Baptisia 'SPARKLING SAPPHIRES'

Baptisia – false indigo is a tough and long-lived perennial native to S.E. USA and E. North America. The genus comprises of about 20 species which grow mostly in dry and sunny locations. In Europe it was almost absent until the end of the second millennium. But at the turn of the century it slowly became available in garden centres where mostly hybrids combining the best of each species are offered. These tall perennials exhibit a longevity of 15-20 years and make a stunning display of erect, lupine-like inflorescence.

Sparkling Sapphires is compact baptisia hybrid from Hans Andrew Hansen from Walters Gardens Inc., Michigan, USA with a tasty name. It is a cross between b. sphearocarpa ‘Linda’ and b. minor. It produces up to 30 cm long, erect racemes composed of deep indigo blue pea-like flowers which attract butterflies.

It forms rather rounded, dense clumps with many stems reaching about 80 cm tall. Its palmate leaves are divided into 3 ovate, medium green leaflets. Patent No. PP27904 was granted in 2017.

False indigo has just one disadvantage – it is extremely slow to establish hence its high retail price. But once it does it multiplies the number of stems year after year and makes almost a shrub-like appearance owing to which it is often used as a companion plant among non-flowering shrubs and small trees. It was voted Perennial of the Year 2019 by the Czech Perennial Association.

Baptisia needs full sun and warm soil. It is not picky about soil pH but requires well-drained ground. Sand and gravel do miracles as they warm up the soil by getting rid of all excess water. Feeding is not required. In late autumn or early spring remove all stems just above ground level. Hardy to min. -34 °C (USDA zone 4), perhaps a few degrees lower.

Last update 05-04-2021