Baptisia 'Burgundy Blast'

Baptisia 'Burgundy Blast': A Bold Bloom with Lasting Impact

Striking and saturated, Baptisia 'Burgundy Blast' commands attention with tall spires of rich reddish-purple flowers in late spring. These boldly coloured blooms rise above sturdy stems and soft blue-green foliage, forming a dense, shrub-like clump that looks as good in bloom as it does out of season. A vigorous and long-lived hybrid, it offers a dramatic presence in sunny borders and naturalistic plantings, with excellent drought tolerance and strong wildlife value.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 90–100 cm
• Spread: 75–90 cm, forming a rounded, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Deep burgundy-red with a hint of purple
• Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
• Foliage: Blue-green, trifoliate, clean and full
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Average to dry, well-drained soil; drought-tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: Baptisia 'Burgundy Blast' adds bold, early-season colour and architectural structure to prairie borders, pollinator gardens, and sun-drenched foundations. Its strong stems and floriferous habit make it ideal for use as a focal point, while its deep root system ensures resilience through summer heat and drought. Seed pods develop after flowering, offering long-lasting interest and texture well into autumn.

Companion Plants: For a rich, layered planting, pair with the compact violet-blue flowers of Amsonia 'Blue Ice', the burgundy-tinged foliage and airy plumes of Panicum 'Shenandoah', and the bold, scarlet daisy blooms of Echinacea 'Sombrero Salsa Red'.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season, then only during prolonged drought. Avoid disturbing mature plants, as the deep taproot is sensitive to transplanting. Cut back stems to the base in early spring. Remove seed pods if self-seeding is not desired.

History: A modern hybrid bred for intense colour and improved garden performance, 'Burgundy Blast' is part of a new generation of Baptisia cultivars offering bold flower tones beyond the classic blue. It blends the resilience of native species with contemporary breeding to deliver standout colour and form in drought-tolerant landscapes.

Final Thoughts: Powerful and poised, Baptisia 'Burgundy Blast' brings a rush of vivid bloom and season-long structure—an ideal choice for gardeners who crave colour without compromise.