Overview
Baptisia nuttalliana is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Baptisia, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Baptisia nuttalliana grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, prairie planting, wildlife gardens, low maintenance, flower borders and beds, banks and slopes and cut flowers.
About
Baptisia nuttalliana is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Fabaceae family, known for its branched stems and trifoliate leaves. It produces racemes of pea-like flowers in spring and summer, followed by distinctive inflated seed pods. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun on well-drained loam or sandy soils with an acid to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H7, it suits south, west, or east-facing exposed sites. Ideal for cottage gardens, prairie plantings, and wildlife gardens, it prefers fertile soil and can be propagated by seed or division.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Baptisia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Baptisia nuttalliana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds, Banks and slopes, Cut flowers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Baptisia nuttalliana
- 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 nuttalliana?
Baptisia nuttalliana prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Baptisia nuttalliana need?
Baptisia nuttalliana grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Baptisia nuttalliana hardy in the UK?
Baptisia nuttalliana 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 nuttalliana?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe, Division in early spring.
More in the Baptisia genus
- Baptisia alba
- Baptisia australis
- Baptisia australis var. minorBlue Wild Indigo
- Baptisia sphaerocarpa 'Screamin' Yellow'
