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
• Plant Patent: USPP 36,083

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: Filipendula 'Elegans' brings fluffy pink plumes from June to August, carrying on after the purple spikes fade. Leucanthemum 'Snowcap' adds crisp white daisies at the front from June to August. Bergenia 'Bressingham Ruby' opens magenta flowers in April and May and keeps its bold leaves all season. The purple, pink and white mix stays soft and easy in 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 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.