Baptisia Decadence® 'Sparkling Sapphires'

Baptisia Decadence® 'Sparkling Sapphires': Violet-Blue Gems for Salty Edges

Vivid violet-blue spikes that sparkle like somebody showing off a new ring at brunch. 'Sparkling Sapphires' is compact, tidy and fully aware of how good it looks in sunlight. YES, IT'S REAL. NO, YOU CAN'T TRY IT ON.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Baptisia hybrid
• Common Name: False Indigo
• Series: Decadence®, a Proven Winners® perennial
• Height: 75–90 cm (2.5–3 ft)
• Spread: 75–90 cm (2.5–3 ft)
• Flowers: Vivid violet-blue with a pale yellow keel, on spikes about 20 cm (8 in) long
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer (June to July)
• Foliage: Deep blue-green to grey-green, forming a compact, upright clump
• Features: Salt tolerant, no deadheading needed
• Plant Patent: USPP 27,904

Where to Plant: At under a metre tall and wide, it fits the middle of a border, a foundation planting or a smaller urban yard. Because it tolerates salt, it works along driveways and walkways. The spikes are good for cutting, and the dark seed pods that follow can be dried.

Companion Plants: Alchemilla mollis spills soft yellow flowers along the front from June to August, a nice match for the violet spikes. Phlox 'Jeana' carries the season on with pink blooms from July to September at 90 to 150 cm. Geum 'Koi' adds pops of orange from May to September. This mix of yellow, pink and violet keeps the bed lively all summer.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun to part sun, in average to poor soil with good drainage. Don't fertilize. Water regularly in the first season, then only during long dry stretches. It builds a deep taproot and takes two or three years to reach full size. Pick a permanent spot, because Baptisia doesn't like being moved or divided. No deadheading is needed. Cut the stems back in late fall, or leave the pods standing for winter interest and tidy up in early spring.

History: Like the rest of the Decadence® series, 'Sparkling Sapphires' comes from the breeding work of Hans Hansen, introduced by Walters Gardens, who crossed wild Baptisia species collected in Texas and Oklahoma and kept only the seedlings with the best colour and most compact habit. The series was aimed squarely at gardeners who loved false indigo but didn't have room for the full-sized species.

Final Thoughts: No deadheading, no salt drama, no deer. Just jewellery for the sunny border that never needs insuring. PUT A RING ON IT.