Baptisia Decadence® 'Blueberry Sundae'

Baptisia Decadence® 'Blueberry Sundae': Big Blue Spikes in a Smaller Package

Indigo-blue flowers on a tidy blue-green mound, stacked up like somebody went heavy on the berries at the sundae bar. Doesn't melt, doesn't drip, doesn't need a napkin. NO BRAIN FREEZE.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Baptisia hybrid
• Common Name: False Indigo
• Series: Decadence®, a Proven Winners® perennial
• Height: 90 cm (3 ft)
• Spread: 75–90 cm (2.5–3 ft)
• Flowers: Deep indigo-blue, pea-like flowers on upright spikes
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (June to July)
• Foliage: Blue-green, forming a compact, upright mound that stays tidy into fall
• Features: Salt tolerant, no deadheading needed
• Plant Patent: USPP 23,891

Where to Plant: Its compact habit makes it a good fit for smaller yards, foundation plantings and the middle of a mixed border. It tolerates salt, so it's a solid choice near driveways and sidewalks. Grow it where you can cut a few stems, since the spikes cut well and the dark seed pods suit dried arrangements.

Companion Plants: Paeonia 'Flame' opens red blooms in May and June, right as the blue spikes get started. Rudbeckia 'Cherry Brandy' takes over from July to September with deep red daisies at 50 to 60 cm. Edge the bed with Sanguisorba 'Little Angel', a compact burnet with burgundy buttons from June to September. Red and blue make a rich, grown-up pairing for sun to part sun.

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 extended dry spells. Baptisia sends down a deep taproot and takes a couple of years to reach full size. Some gardeners find it grows a bit wider than listed over time, so leave a little elbow room. Avoid moving or dividing it once it's settled. No deadheading is needed. Leave the seed pods for fall interest, then cut the stems back in late fall or early spring.

History: The Decadence® series was bred by Hans Hansen and introduced by Walters Gardens, growing out of a long hybridizing project using native Baptisia species he collected in Texas and Oklahoma. Seedlings were chosen for flower colour and a shorter, more compact habit, and 'Blueberry Sundae' was selected as a deep blue member of the group.

Final Thoughts: Road salt by the driveway and no deadheading required? It doesn't care either way. GIVE ME AN EXTRA SCOOP.