Overview
Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' is a clump forming, columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Baptisia, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is drought resistant and low maintenance. Suggested uses include border, cottage garden and wildlife garden.
About
Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' is a herbaceous perennial cultivar of the Baptisia genus, known commonly as false indigo. It forms a clump with a columnar upright habit, reaching 1 to 1.5 metres in height and spreading 0.5 to 1 metre over 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun and well-drained loam or sandy soils with acid to neutral pH. It is drought resistant and low maintenance, suitable for both exposed and sheltered positions facing south, east, or west. 'Purple Smoke' offers seasonal interest from spring through to winter.
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
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Border, Cottage garden, Wildlife garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Baptisia 'Purple Smoke'
- Propagation
- Seed, Root division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Baptisia 'Purple Smoke'?
Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' need?
Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' grow?
Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' hardy in the UK?
Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' 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 'Purple Smoke'?
Seed, Root division.
More in the Baptisia genus
Browse all Baptisia →
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