Baptisia "Grape Taffy"
Common Name(s):
False Indigo
Blur False Indigo
Synonym:
Baptisia x 'Grape Taffy'
Grape Taffy False Indigo
Flower:
Purple
Blooms :
Jun
to:
Aug
Reddish purple pea-like flowers in racemes
Botanical Description
Fragrant?
NO
Family:
Fabaceae
Med - Lg Shrub (usually >3' and never < 1.5')
Foliage:
Green
Alternate tri-pinnate, leaflets oval
Fall Color?
YES
Leaves turn yellow, seed pods turn charcoal-black
Deciduous
Photo by:
Heading 6
Pods turn black and stay on the plant
Oregon Native?
NO
West State Native?
NO
Origins:
Hybrid between B. cinera and B. minor both native to North America
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Full Sun
Deer Resistant?
YES
Firewise?
YES
Height:
2-3'
Spread:
2-3'
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Woodlands, prairies, along streams
Soil:
Loam, sandy loam
Care Recommendations
Maintenance Level:
Low
Fertilizer:
Thrives with a 5-10-10 NPK pertilizer applied in spring
Mulch:
Apply a 1/2-3" layer of shredded bark, wood chips, or pine straw
Plant in a sunny location in sandy loam well-drainedsoil, water only when dry, do not move
Long Term:
Winter:
Cut back to ground, apply layer of mulch, do not water
Spring:
Cut back after flowering if desired but you miss the attractive seedpods
Summer:
Deep water on a regular basis, trim back by 1/3rd after flowering, deadhead, may need support
Fall:
Provide additional much to protect roots
General Care Comments:
Give full sun, water to establish, cut back to ground in late fall/early winter, slow to establish, give light application of fertilizer in spring
Common Problems
Plant declines if not given full sun, good circulation
Diseases:
Powdery mildew, leaf spot, root rot, rust
Insects:
Generallly none but Genista Broom Moth may eat leaves
Environmental Problems:
Susceptible to root disease if plan in soils that are not well-drained
Pests:
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