Baptisia 'Blueberry Sundae'

Baptisia 'Blueberry Sundae': Indigo Charm in a Compact Form

With its saturated indigo-blue blooms and perfectly proportioned habit, Baptisia 'Blueberry Sundae' is a compact and showy perennial that brings lasting structure and colour to the spring garden. Upright spikes of pea-like flowers rise above a dense mound of blue-green foliage, followed by attractive charcoal-black seed pods that carry interest into late summer and fall. Bred for its refined size and durability, it’s ideal for smaller gardens, modern borders, or prairie-inspired designs. Its deep roots offer exceptional drought tolerance, and pollinators flock to its early-season blooms.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spread: 75–90 cm
• Flower Colour: Deep indigo blue
• Flowering Period: May to June
• Foliage: Blue-green, bushy and tidy
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, average to sandy soil

Uses and Benefits: 'Blueberry Sundae' adds bold structure and spring bloom to sunny borders, native plantings, and pollinator gardens. Its tidy form is excellent for edging paths or anchoring mixed perennial beds. Strong stems and a long-lived root system mean minimal care and no staking. It’s deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, and contributes lasting textural interest from spring through fall.

Companion Plants: For a layered prairie-inspired planting, pair Baptisia 'Blueberry Sundae' with Amsonia 'Blue Ice', Achillea 'Saucy Seduction', and Schizachyrium 'The Blues'. These companions offer seasonal continuity, contrasting textures, and full-sun toughness with high pollinator value.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first season to establish deep roots, then only during extended droughts. Avoid disturbing mature plants. Cut back to the ground in late winter or early spring. Fertilizing is not typically necessary in average soils.

History: Part of the Decadence® series developed by Hans Hansen of Walters Gardens, 'Blueberry Sundae' was selected for its rich flower colour, compact growth, and landscape resilience. Baptisia is native to North America and has a long-standing reputation as a reliable, low-maintenance prairie perennial.

Final Thoughts: Rich in colour, strong in form, and effortless in care, Baptisia 'Blueberry Sundae' delivers four-season presence with a distinctly native charm—perfect for bold borders and thoughtful, pollinator-friendly plantings.