Product Description
Baptisia 'Periwinkle Popsicle' PPAF CPBRAF (25) Bare Root Plants
DECADENCE® DELUXE Series
Common Name: False Indigo
This upright dark blue Baptisia is perfect for filling space in the landscape. The habit is taller than it is wide, with an elegant vase shape perfect for underplanting. 'Periwinkle Popsicle' is later to flower than most Baptisia, not showing color until most other varieties are finishing bloom. Compared with the light blue DECADENCE® DELUXE 'Blue Bubbly', 'Periwinkle Popsicle' blooms a dark shade of blue.
Baptisia 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.
The roots of the DECADENCE® series run deep. What started as a fun botanizing trip in the lower Midwest with a fellow horticulturist blossomed into a complex hybridizing project for breeder Hans Hansen. Hans has made countless crosses with the many native Baptisia species he has collected across Texas and Oklahoma. These crosses have resulted in an array of seedlings with unique flower colors and plant habits, the best of which are introduced into the DECADENCE® Series.
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.
Height: 4.0-4.5 Feet
Spread: 3.5 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple-blue shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Poor to Average Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Spring - Early Summer
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Critter Resistant: Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads
Growth Rate: Medium
Bog Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Salt Tolerant, Specimen, Focal Point, Native to North America
Baptisia 'Periwinkle Popsicle' is a stunning addition to any garden, bringing a unique splash of color with its dark blue, almost periwinkle flowers. What sets this variety apart is its late bloom time, typically in June, extending the Baptisia season in your garden as it starts blooming when most other varieties are finishing. This hardy, low-maintenance perennial is native to North America and a true delight for gardeners of all levels.
Baptisia 'Periwinkle Popsicle' has an upright habit with an elegant vase shape, making it a perfect fit for various garden designs. It typically reaches a mature height of 4 to 4.5 feet with a spread of 3.5 feet. The dark blue flowers bloom in late spring to early summer on long flower spikes, providing a vibrant display for up to 4 weeks. The lush green foliage adds further interest even when the plant is not in bloom. After flowering, attractive seed pods form, adding visual appeal in the fall. This variety is also salt tolerant and deer resistant, making it suitable for coastal gardens and areas with deer pressure.
Bloom Time One of the most notable attributes of Baptisia 'Periwinkle Popsicle' is its late flowering period. It blooms later than other Baptisia varieties, typically in June, extending the color show in the garden just as other plants are starting to fade. This ensures a continuous display of color and interest in your garden throughout the growing season.
Growing Conditions Baptisia 'Periwinkle Popsicle' is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in a variety of conditions. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. While it grows best in well-drained soil, it can tolerate poor, sandy, or rocky soils as well. It prefers a soil pH that is slightly acidic to neutral. Once established, it is moderately drought tolerant due to its deep taproot. This makes it a suitable choice for xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental watering.
Planting Instructions
- Timing: The best time to plant Baptisia 'Periwinkle Popsicle' is in the spring or early fall.
- Location: Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade.
- Soil: Baptisia is adaptable to various soil types but performs best in well-drained soil.
- Spacing: Space plants approximately 3.5 feet apart to allow for their mature size.
- Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the container they came in.
Care and Maintenance
- Watering: Water the plants deeply after planting to help settle the soil. Once established, Baptisia is quite drought-tolerant, requiring water only during prolonged dry spells.
- Fertilizing: Baptisia generally does not require frequent fertilization. If needed, a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring can support healthy growth.
- Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plant helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth.
- Pruning: Minimal pruning is required. You can cut back the flower stalks after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance, but it is not essential for the plant's health. In late fall or early spring, cut back the entire plant to the ground to encourage fresh growth in the spring.
- Pest and Disease Management: Baptisia is generally disease and pest-resistant. Monitor for common garden pests and treat them with appropriate solutions as needed.
- Winter Care: In hardiness zones 4 through 9, Baptisia should survive the winter without special care. The foliage will die back naturally, and new growth will emerge in the spring.
Companion Plants Baptisia 'Periwinkle Popsicle' pairs well with a variety of companion plants. Some excellent choices include:
- Lavender : The purple hues of lavender complement the periwinkle blossoms of Baptisia, and both plants thrive in similar growing conditions.
- Russian Sage : The airy texture and silvery foliage of Russian Sage create a lovely contrast with the bold form of Baptisia.
- Coneflower : Coneflowers, with their vibrant colors and long bloom time, add further interest to the garden and attract pollinators alongside Baptisia.
- Black-eyed Susan : The cheerful golden blooms of Black-eyed Susans provide a striking contrast to the cool tones of Baptisia.
- Salvia : Salvias, with their wide range of colors and textures, offer diverse options for creating dynamic combinations with Baptisia.
- Ornamental Onions (Allium) : These add a unique architectural element and attract pollinators.
- Blue Star (Amsonia) : Amsonia provides beautiful foliage and delicate blue flowers that complement Baptisia.
- Culver's Root (Veronicastrum virginicum) : This tall, stately plant adds vertical interest and a touch of drama.
- Groundcovers like Artemisia 'Powis Castle' and Veronica 'Sunshine' : These provide textural contrast and fill in spaces around the base of Baptisia.
Baptisia 'Periwinkle Popsicle' is a truly exceptional plant that deserves a place in any garden. Its unique periwinkle-blue flowers, late bloom time, and adaptability to various conditions make it a standout choice. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting, this low-maintenance perennial will reward you with years of beauty and enjoyment. Its ability to attract pollinators and its suitability for different garden styles, including xeriscaping and coastal gardens, further enhance its value. Consider adding Baptisia 'Periwinkle Popsicle' to your garden and experience the magic of this captivating plant.
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!
