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 cottage and informal garden, prairie planting and wildlife gardens.
About
Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' is a deciduous perennial that forms clumps, featuring green foliage on nearly black stems. From April to June, it produces elongated upright stems adorned with grey-purple, pea-like blossoms. If left unpruned in the fall, the seed pods and stems offer visual interest throughout the winter months.
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
- 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
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Baptisia 'Purple Smoke'
- Cultivation
- Grow in open, porous, preferably sandy soil in full sun; drought resistant once roots have penetrated the soil. Best left undisturbed, although vigorous clumps may be carefully divided in spring
- Pruning
- Cut down once foliage has blackened. Can leave over winter for stem and seed-pod interest
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe or propagate by division in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Baptisia 'Purple Smoke'?
Grow in open, porous, preferably sandy soil in full sun; drought resistant once roots have penetrated the soil. Best left undisturbed, although vigorous clumps may be carefully divided in spring.
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 do I prune Baptisia 'Purple Smoke'?
Cut down once foliage has blackened. Can leave over winter for stem and seed-pod interest.
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 a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Baptisia 'Purple Smoke'?
Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe or propagate by division in early spring.