Baptisia Decadence® 'Blue Bubbly' – 'Blue Bubbly' False Indigo

'Blue Bubbly' Baptisia commands a spectacular presence in the garden. It belongs to the DECADENCE® DELUXE series, which gathers larger and more impressive varieties than traditional Baptisias. Despite the diversity of varieties in this line, the fundamental characteristics and care requirements remain similar, ensuring reliable performance. This perennial develops an impressive structure that can replace a shrub, offering a remarable lavender-blue bloom early in the season.

Characteristics

• Foliage: The plant forms a large clump of dense green foliage that maintains a beautiful appearance all season.
• Flowering: From late spring to early summer, long, sturdy, 18-inch (45 cm) flower spikes rise above the foliage. Each spike covers itself with a multitude of pea-shaped, lavender-blue flowers. After flowering, decorative seed pods appear and persist, adding interest to the plant.
• Light: It thrives in full sun, which ensures abundant flowering and a sturdy habit. It also adapts to partial shade but may then require staking.
• Habit: It develops an upright, vase-like habit, giving it an architectural stature and a presence worthy of a shrub.
• Growth: With a medium growth rate, this large perennial reaches a height of 120 to 137 cm (4-4.5 feet) and a spread of 107 to 120 cm (3.5-4 feet).
• Moisture: It requires average watering while it gets established.
• Soil: It grows in a wide range of soils, from poor to rich, as long as the drainage is adequate. It adapts to an acidic or neutral pH.
• Hardiness: Perfectly hardy, it faces the harsh winters of Zone 4 without any difficulty.
• Watering: Once established, its deep root system allows it to resist drought very well.
• Resistance: This robust plant repels deer and resists drought and salt well.

Uses

• Types of Use: Its impressive size allows it to replace a shrub in the garden border and serve as a focal point. It creates a magnificent backdrop for other perennials or integrates perfectly into a prairie-style garden.
• Ornamental Features: The large spikes of blue flowers bring spectacular colour and verticality in early summer. Afterwards, the black seed pods add texture and visual interest that lasts into winter.

Care

• Fertilizing: This very self-sufficient plant does completely without fertilizer and thrives without help.
• Pruning: It requires no pruning. Allow the seed pods to form on the plant after flowering; they are a major decorative asset.
• Planting: Choose its location carefully, as its deep taproot does not appreciate transplanting once established. It takes a few seasons to reach full maturity but will then live for decades.