Baptisia Grape Taffy
Baptisia 'Grape Taffy' photo courtesy of Walters Gardens
False Indigo

Do you love the native Baptisia, but don’t have room for the tall, lanky cultivars? Try ‘Grape Taffy’, a new Baptisia developed by Hans Hansen at W alters Gardens. It is one of the most compact Baptisia to date growing to just 75 cms tall. Spikes of deep reddish-purple flowers appear in early summer, reminiscent of grapes. Each flower is accented by a buff yellow keel. The reddish-purple flowers are a colour break for Baptisia, a departure from the typical deep blue flowers of the genus. The green foliage looks attractive even when the flowers are not in bloom. This extremely long-lived perennial could be used instead of a shrub in landscape settings, with minimal care required to thrive year after year.

  • Height: 61-75 cm (24-30 in)
  • Spread: 75-91 cm (30-36 in)
  • Cold Hardiness: Zone 4-9
  • Sun or Shade: minimum 4 hours of direct sun
  • Bloom Time: late spring
  • Leaf Colour: green
  • Bloom Colour: purple
  • Critter Resistance: deer
  • Nature Attraction: bees and butterflies

Growing and Maintenance Tips

All Baptisias are "Plant and Forget" Perennials. They are adaptable to a wide range of soil types but prefer average to dry, well drained soil in full sun. They can handle a couple of hours of shade but will be floppy in too much shade. They tolerate drought and poor soils. Baptisias are 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

New for 2024
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