Baptisia 'Plum Rosey' is a striking perennial featuring rich rose purple flower spikes that rise above an elegant vase shaped mound of blue green foliage. A hybrid false indigo, it offers strong stems that resist flopping, long lived durability, and a shrub like form that adds structure even after bloom. Its black seed pods provide ornamental interest into fall and can be used in dried arrangements.
Height & Spread: 36 - 48 in x 36 - 48 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part sun
Soil Preference: Average to dry, well drained soils; tolerant of clay and poor soil
Watering Needs: Low; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Highly deer resistant
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from North American native species and retains strong ecological and ornamental value in native plantings and pollinator gardens.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies such as Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Clouded Sulphur with its abundant nectar.
Bees
- Frequented by native bumblebees, carpenter bees, and long tongued solitary bees that specialize in deep flowers.
Moths
- Supports larvae of species such as the Wild Indigo Duskywing and other legume feeding moths.
Birds
- Seed pods attract songbirds including goldfinches, and the dense plant structure provides cover and nesting habitat.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 36 - 48 in apart to allow full development of its upright, bushy form and long taproot system.
Landscape Placement
- Effective as a specimen or in mixed borders, prairie plantings, and pollinator beds. Combines well with ornamental grasses and other long blooming sun lovers.
Companion Plants
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Zagreb' (Threadleaf Coreopsis) - Bright yellow, fine textured perennial that blooms early and pairs well with Baptisia’s structure.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' (Wood Sage) - Offers upright purple blue spikes that echo Baptisia’s cool toned flowers and bloom in overlapping seasons.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - A sturdy native perennial with bold purple flowers and strong pollinator value, echoing Baptisia’s height and native presence.
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - A native grass with fine upright blades that turn reddish orange in fall, contrasting Baptisia’s dark seedpods.
- Amsonia hubrichtii (Arkansas Blue Star) - Soft fine foliage and pale blue flowers that complement Baptisia’s form and offer golden autumn foliage.