Within the last couple of years my baptisia plant got buried by some exuberant ‘Venusta Queen of the Prairie’ (Filipendula rubra) and Joe Pye weed plants. I had to rummage around in the foliage just to find one lonely stem battling for light:
Baptisias have tap roots, so they can be tricky to move or divide. I decided to let this one continue to fight for real estate, and I bought a new one that I will plant in a nearby location that’s not so crowded.
I saw an online photo of ‘Purple Smoke’ baptisia in full bloom, and I fell in love with the smoky, violet-blue flowers. Last weekend I found one for sale that had buds that were just starting to open.
Baptisias are members of the pea family. They are tough, long-lasting plants that thrive in full sun. ‘Purple Smoke’ grows 36-50 inches tall and is hardy in Zones 4-9.