Overview
Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip' is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Baptisia, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, prairie planting and wildlife gardens.
About
Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip' is a herbaceous perennial that grows in a compact clump, reaching heights of about 1 meter. Its upright stems showcase leaves that are divided into three leaflets, resembling clover. In late spring to early summer, it produces tall clusters of purple-brown buds that open into yellow flowers, which are succeeded by dark grey seed pods.
About the genus
Baptisia are perennial plants characterized by branched stems that support trifoliate leaves. They produce racemes of pea-like flowers either at the ends of the stems or in the leaf axils, which are succeeded by noticeable inflated seed pods.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Baptisia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip'
- Cultivation
- Thrives in deep, well-drained, preferably sandy soil in an open, sunny position. Plants can be slow to establish, and dislike being disturbed, but mature plants have good drought tolerance
- Pruning
- No pruning required, though plants can be trimmed back after flowering to maintain a compact shape, unless seed pods are required
- Propagation
- Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings. Hybrid cultivars will not come true from seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip'?
Thrives in deep, well-drained, preferably sandy soil in an open, sunny position. Plants can be slow to establish, and dislike being disturbed, but mature plants have good drought tolerance.
Where is the best place to plant Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip'?
Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip' prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip' need?
Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip'?
No pruning required, though plants can be trimmed back after flowering to maintain a compact shape, unless seed pods are required.
How big does Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip' grow?
Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip' hardy in the UK?
Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip' has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip'?
Propagate by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings. Hybrid cultivars will not come true from seed.