Baptisia 'Twilite Prairieblues': Bicolor Violet-Yellow Hybrid False Indigo

Overview

Baptisia × variicolor 'Twilite Prairieblues'™ is a stunning hybrid between blue B. australis and yellow B. sphaerocarpa. The result: pea-like violet-purple flowers with dramatic yellow keels on a long-lived, tough, drought-resistant plant.

Botanical Description

Tall, clump-forming perennial 90–180 cm tall and wide. Trifoliate leaves are blue-green, especially beautiful in spring. Flowers are bicolor—violet-purple standards with bright yellow keels—in late spring to early summer. Black seed pods follow.

Taxonomy

Genus:	Baptisia
Hybrid:	× variicolor
Cultivar:	'Twilite Prairieblues'™

Noteworthy Characteristics

• Unique bicolor flowers on long-lived, tough plant.
• Fixes nitrogen (legume family).
• Attractive blue-green foliage all season.
• May take 3–4 years to establish fully.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun only.
• Soil: Most any well-drained soil.
• Moisture: Dry to medium.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 4–9.

Care and Maintenance

Deep taproot resents transplanting—site carefully and leave alone 4–5 years. Cut back after flowering for new growth (lose seed pods) or wait until after hard frost. Deciduous.

Garden Uses

Back of border, cottage gardens, specimen plant. Featured in Fine Gardening #120 by Stephanie Cohen.

Quick Reference

Height:	90–180 cm
Spread:	90–180 cm
Growth Pace:	Slow
Bloom Time:	Early Summer, Late Spring
Flower Color:	Purple, Yellow
Tolerance:	Drought Tolerant