Baptisia Dark Chocolate
Baptisia 'Dark Chocolate' photo courtesy of Walters Gardens
False Indigo

'Dark Chocolate' is a new and improved version of 'Dutch Chocolate'. This variety shares that same, nearly black, charcoal purple flowers, but has much longer flower spikes-up to 70 cms long. The flowers grow well out of the foliage, an improvement on its predecessor. It forms an incredibly full and bushy habit-a perfect substitution for shrubs if you're looking for structure in the garden.

  • Size: 1 gal
  • Height: 91-107 cm (36-42 in)
  • Spread: 91 cm (36 in)
  • Cold Hardiness: Zone 4-9
  • Sun or Shade: minimum 6 hours of direct sun
  • Bloom Time: late spring to early summer
  • Leaf Colour: green
  • Bloom Colour: near black
  • Critter Resistance: deer
  • Nature Attraction: bees and butterflies

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Baptisia is a low maintenance perennial that is extremely disease resistant. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types but prefers average to dry, well drained soil in full sun. It can handle a couple of hours of shade but will be floppy in too much shade. It is very tap rooted and, once established, should not be disturbed. Old foliage should be cut down in the fall because the plant is unattractive once frost hits. Dividing this plant is not recommended.

Specials

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