The baptisias have never been as beautiful as they were this year. I am adding even more, as they are easy to grow from seed (although one must be patient -- they are usually at least 3 years old before they start blooming), and my planting scheme to thwart the voles has worked. I use 2-3 gallon plastic pots with the bottom cut out and mulch the top with gravel. It's been 4 or 5 years, so I feel confident stating success.
These pictures are from the first week of May. This year there was a span of 5 weeks from the bud stage (beautiful in itself) to the time the flowers finished up a few days ago.
Hansa and Baptisia alba
'Purple Smoke'
Baptisia australis
Rugosa seedlings and Eva's white iris
Young 'Hansa'
'Dusky Challenger'
An added touch of beauty -- the albas turned pink as they aged.
After seeing these photos, I will definitely add more baptisias. I have some alba seed that I can start (do you know if they need cold stratification?)
ReplyDeleteI understand they are quite drought tolerant so my first one will probably go among the nepeta in the gravel garden.
Marnie
wow, the albas turning pink as they age is so nice. I have a baptisia alba which will bloom soon. I'll watch for the pink --- didn't see it last year, but it's only on its 3rd year this season.
ReplyDeleteYour Baptisia is so pretty. We only have one plant, the blooms seem so short lived though, then you are just left with the green. Ours is the most incredible blue. I've never seen seeds on it. I guess you could use them as pretty fillers.
ReplyDeletethree years huh? That's the answer I've been looking for. Will have to go back in my gardening records and see how long ago I planted seeds.... if memory serves I've got another year to wait. With any luck they will be as lovely as the one's in your photos.
ReplyDeleteI noticed my new "Purple Smoke" blooming but the plant itself is still very small. I love this plant.
ReplyDeleteOnce again I am in awe of your gardens. The Baptisias are lovely and I really love the picture of the Alba with Hansa. Your iris are stunning.
ReplyDeleteFlowerLady
I just love the cool flower colors in your garden. Pinks, purples and whites are my favorites.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures always inspire me. I only hope to have as many beautiful plants as you have one day. Carla
ReplyDeleteGreat photos and lovely color cobinations there in your garden.
ReplyDeleteSo lovely, are you having a mosquito problem like I am having here in SC ? They are already killer, and it is difficult to get anything dome in he garden. HATE mosquitoes !! take care, Gina
ReplyDeleteBaptisia seeds do not require any stratification. They do like heat though.
ReplyDeleteThe mosquitos aren't too bad here. They're probably dying off on account of the dryness.
Everything looks so lush and healthy -- and I'm surprised because you mentioned how dry it was there.
ReplyDeleteMosquitoes are too bad there? Then for sure you are living in heaven.
donna
That's because I've been watering like crazy. Plus, we had so much rain this winter that anything with roots is doing fine. We have a deep well that dumps water at a very high rate, and I'm trying to get more young Baptisias started so they mustn't dry out.
ReplyDeleteIf we get sufficient rain August and early September is the bad time for mosquistos here. They'll drive you back into the house in the evenings.
As usual, all of your pictures are gorgeous! The blue/purple Iris is a beauty.
ReplyDeleteHow spectacular! Joy indeed! :)
ReplyDeleteI have 'Purple Smoke' and find it to be one of the most carefree of perennials.
ReplyDeleteoh my ~ I wouldn't miss the delphiniums and lupines either if I had all your gorgeous Baptisias Sweet Bay. They really are stunning in numbers like you have them planted. They have to be so much more carefree than delphiniums for sure. Lupines are pretty easy here but the wind gets my delphs every time. Lovely, lovely, lovely. I think that covers it. :-)
ReplyDeleteI feel like I've visited a Nature Center after viewing your post. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThey are so beautiful! Note to self, add more!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, as always, in your garden.
ReplyDeleteSuch a lot of wonderful flowers. Now I can tell you, that at last, the warmth is here, by me. No more snow. At least for a while;-) Have a nicw week!
It's all so beautiful! I especially love the B. alba with the Eastern Columbine.
ReplyDeleteThat dusky challenger pic is a knockout! Wow! What a color!
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased to see how beautiful baptisia can be. I have tiny seedlings started inside from seed sent to me by a blog friend in Maine.
Your Jesse's Song was glorious!!
Always so pleased to see your wonderful bluebird pics :) Wish we had some but we must be content with our tree swallows building nests in the boxes, even though they never stay to lay eggs.
Your Old Blush rose on the arbor was magnificent. Does it keep blooming or finish after that wonderful show?