Baptisia 'Grape Escape'

Baptisia 'Grape Escape': Grape-Toned Spires With Real Backbone

This baptisia is plotting a GRAPE ESCAPE, and honestly, it has the legs for it. Tall spikes of dusky red-purple with creamy keels, climbing up and out of the border like it's going over the prison wall.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Baptisia hybrid
• Common Name: False Indigo
• Height: 105–120 cm (3.5–4 ft)
• Spread: 80–95 cm (2.7–3.2 ft)
• Flowers: Dusky red-purple with a creamy white keel, on tall upright spikes
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (May to June)
• Foliage: Green, on an upright, clump-forming plant

Where to Plant: At over a metre tall, it belongs in the middle or back of a sunny border, or as a focal point in a larger bed. It's a strong backbone plant for prairie-style and pollinator gardens, and the seed pods add structure later in the season.

Companion Plants: Plant 'Grape Escape' in a sunny, dry bed and let pinks and white carry on after its May show. Sedum 'Summer Glory' edges the front at 10 to 15 cm with deep pink flowers from June to August. Dianthus Fruit Punch® 'Maraschino' adds double cherry-red pinks at 23 to 28 cm from June to August. Echinacea 'White Swan' brings white coneflowers at 60 to 90 cm from July to September. Pennisetum Lumen Gold™ glows bright gold at 30 to 60 cm in spring.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun, in average to poor, well-drained soil. Fertilizer isn't needed. Water regularly through the first season, then only during long dry spells. Baptisia grows a deep taproot and may take a few years to reach full size. It doesn't like being moved or divided, so plant it in its forever spot. Leave the spent flowers if you want seed pods. Cut the stems back in late fall, or wait until early spring.

History: 'Grape Escape' was bred by Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens in Zeeland, Michigan, from a 2015 cross between Decadence® Deluxe 'Pink Truffles' and 'Blue Towers'. It was introduced as a taller, more floriferous and deeper-coloured replacement for 'Grape Taffy'.

Final Thoughts: Low maintenance once it settles, deer resistant, and the bees will help with the getaway. LOCK IT IN THE SUNNY BORDER. IT'S NOT GOING ANYWHERE.