How to grow Baptisia Indigo Spires
A member of the pea family commonly known as False Indigo. A fully hardy, statuesque, deciduous perennial which likes sandy or loam soil which is neutral to acidic. Needs a sunny spot in any aspect except north-facing and can be planted at almost any time - although ideally between March and September as this is when the foliage is present to assist with placement. Flowers are produced for 3 months at a time between April and September each year (dependent upon variety) and the numerous variations of Baptisia will grow to 60-150cm tall, with a spread of between 60-120cm. These stunning plants are great for naturalising as well as attracting bees and pollinators. They make a great cut flower too and will even tolerate drought conditions for short spells.
Key Information
Soil pH
Position
Hardiness
Where & when to plant Baptisia Indigo Spires
Baptisia should be planted in early autumn, or spring after hard frosts have finished freezing the ground. Small, young plants are best kept undercover in an unheated greenhouse, porch or conservatory and hardened off in April or May. You can do this by placing the pots outside during the day and bringing them inside at night for two weeks prior to planting out.
Younger plants of the legume (pea) family to which Baptisia belong, establish better than large plants in the garden. This is because they have large taproots which, if disturbed, may not grow as well once relocated. Baptisia can be grown in pots but form much healthier plants if planted directly in the soil where the taproot can find water and nutrients, allowing them to become drought tolerant. Choose your growing spot wisely to avoid moving your plant later on as it can survive for many decades if left undisturbed.
Baptisia ‘Indigo Spires’ thrives in a warm and sunny spot which receives at least 6 hours of sunshine a day. Avoid a north facing aspect and place at least 50cm away from other plants and shrubs in the border to allow your plant room to mature and fill out.
How to plant Baptisia Indigo Spires
Dig a hole twice the width and depth of your potted plant and a layer of grit to the base to aid drainage if your ground tends to be wet, or if you garden on heavy clay soil. Next, add some organic matter in the form of homemade compost, bonemeal, or a handful of chicken manure pellets to help young plants off to a strong start.
Gently tease your Baptisia plant from its container before planting in the hole. Fill in around the edges with soil and gently firm in before watering well.
What to plant with Baptisia Indigo Spires
Darkly beautiful and classy, the almost black blooms of Baptisia ‘Indigo Spires’ will be much admired in your garden – be sure to plant this Baptisia where it will be seen and appreciated.
Grey-green foliage remains attractive for most of the year and the structure and seedpods add interest during the darkest months.
Best placed in the middle or back of a deep border with shorter plants to complement in the foreground such as fresh green Alchemilla mollis, Heuchera ‘Lime Marmalade’, or Penstemon ‘Goldfinger’.
We love the combination of silver-blue foliage, inky blues, and primrose yellow – try growing Baptisia ‘Indigo Spires’ with Lupinus ‘Desert Sun’, Ajuga reptans ‘Catlins Giant’, Salvia ‘Lemon Pie’, Achillea ‘Credo’, Aquilegia ‘Black Barlow’, and Senecio candicans ‘Angel Wings’.
Please contact our friendly and helpful Customer Care team at Hayloft if you would like any further growing advice for your Baptisia plants, we will be happy to help.
How to care for Baptisia Indigo Spires
Do not be disappointed if your Baptisia ‘Indigo Spires’ does not flower well in its first year, rest assured - plenty of growth will be happening below soil level. Baptisia can take a little time to establish, and you will reap the rewards for many years to come if you are patient. A mature plant can produce up to 100 spikes of inky-blue flowers over a 6-week period in summer.
Once settled, Baptisia plants do not need feeding or watering (unless in periods of severe drought) as their roots have nitrogen-fixing nodules, and their large taproot is excellent at finding water.
The blooms make excellent cut flowers, adding a beautiful twisting spire to floral arrangements, airier than their cousin, the lupin, and lasting up to a week in the vase.
It comes down to personal preference whether or not you choose to deadhead faded flowers. Many gardeners like the look of the dark grey seedpods and foliage as they add texture and interest to a winter border.
As an herbaceous perennial, the foliage of Baptisia dies back to ground level each winter before returning in spring. Just before new shoots appear, last year’s growth can be pruned and composted. Cut back to 20-30cm above ground level with a pair of secateurs.
Young shoots can be susceptible to slug and snail attacks in spring. If you notice any mollusc damage, avoid using slug pellets as these are harmful to wildlife and garden biodiversity. Instead, encourage wildlife such as birds, frogs, and toads to your garden to keep your slug and snail population down. A layer of grit or eggshells around the base of your plants, or beer-traps are a great option for natural repellents.
A top dressing of homemade compost at the base of plants in winter can help to protect new shoots as they emerge as well as improve soil health and retain moisture.
How to propagate Baptisia Indigo Spires
The division of Baptisia plants is often not recommended as the deep roots resent disturbance and damage. It is possible however, to split large mature plants into several smaller specimens, although care must be taken to dig out as much of the root as possible and replant divided sections quickly before they dry out.
It is also possible to grow Baptisia from cuttings, however the most reliable form of propagation is from fresh seed that existing plants supply.
Harvest the seeds in August to September and sow straight away as stored seed often fails to germinate. The seeds have a hard outer shell which should be softened by soaking them overnight in hot water. Sow the seeds 1cm deep into individual pots of multipurpose compost with a layer of grit or vermiculite on top and place in a cold-frame or unheated greenhouse for autumn and winter. Ensure the soil does not dry out and plant young plants out into the garden in spring.
