Baptisia is a plant not to be missed for so many reasons, where shall we begin! Part of the pea family, this native american beauty was grown for the indigo dye produced from the brilliant lapis flowers. Elegant lupin-like flower heads are supported on smoke-grey stems. They are breathtaking when they start flowering in early june with the bonus of decorative pea pods in august. These are dramatic against the purple foliage of pittosporum Tom Thumb. The seed heads of our flamenco dancer, the poppy Black Cloud, also feature at this time. Transformed from latin lover with a lush,seductive flower-head to pre-historic skeleton, the stems distort into irregular spirals sending the bald, scavenger-bird pods in all directions. Against the blossoming florals of early summer, the seed heads produce much needed structural interest.
