Product Description
Baptisia Starlite Prairieblues (x bicolor 'Starlite' PP19971)Common name: Indigo-Blue.
Zones 4 to 9.
Full sun to part shade.
Plants reach 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
Growth rate: Slow, Easy to grow.
One of the earliest Baptisia to bloom, this plant produces very impressive 24 inch long flower spikes with densely spaced vivid violet buds and cool periwinkle flowers with butter cream keels in late spring to early summer. The spikes extend well-above the attractive blue-green foliage and tend to arch gracefully outward as they age. In fall, the seed pods turn charcoal black and make an interesting addition to fall bouquets. Starlite Prairieblues? has a vase-shaped habit when it is young, maturing into a broadly rounded shrub-like plant.
Baptisia grows best in full sun, though it tolerates light shade. If grown in too much shade, plants may require staking. Baptisia is easily grown in poor to average soil that is well-drained. Once established, it is moderately drought tolerant because of its tough, deep taproot. This perennial native may take a couple of seasons to become established, but is very long-lived once mature. Avoid disturbing established clumps.
'Starlite' a controlled cross of B. australis x bracteata made by Dr. Jim Ault of the Chicago Botanic Garden. Baptisia australis is native to the prairies of North America, so it is easy to grow and will thrive with little maintenance. There are many potential applications in the landscape including meadow plantings, as a backdrop in borders, or as a specimen. Plants are very long-lived once established.
Though Baptisia is a large perennial, it can be grown in smaller gardens if maintained a bit differently. In early spring, set out a peony ring (circular wire stake) for the Baptisia to grow through. This will help it to grow more upright and take up less horizontal space. After the plant is finished blooming, prune it lightly throughout the season to keep its size in check. Seed pods may not develop in fall due to the pruning, but the flowers and foliage will be beautiful.
Excellent as a border plant, in mass plantings, for cut flowers, specimen or focal point and its salt tolerant. They can be dried for use in arrangements. Attracts butterflies and Deer resistant.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
