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, wildlife gardens, low maintenance, cut flowers, banks and slopes and flower borders and beds.
About
Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip' is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial belonging to the Fabaceae family. This deciduous plant grows to between 0.5 and 1 metre in height, with a spread of 0.1 to 0.5 metres, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. It thrives in full sun, particularly in south- or west-facing, exposed positions. Adaptable to well-drained chalk, loam, or sand soils across a range of pH levels, it is also drought resistant. 'Chocolate Chip' is notable for its interest during the spring and summer seasons.
About the genus
Baptisia is a genus in the legume family, Fabaceae. They are flowering herbaceous perennial plants with pea-like flowers, followed by pods, which are sometimes inflated. They are native to woodland and grassland in eastern and southern North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Baptisia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Baptisia
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, Low Maintenance, Cut flowers, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip'
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe, Division in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
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 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 an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip'?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe, Division in early spring.
More in the Baptisia genus
Browse all Baptisia →
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