Photo of Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate' flower by Forestfarm

Photo by Forestfarm

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate'

Also Known As

  • Dutch Chocolate False Indigo
  • Dutch Chocolate Perennial Redneck Lupine

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 30"-36"
  • W: 18"-30"

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate' plant details

Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate' is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous perennial with blue and green foliage. In spring and summer chocolate and purple flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, clay, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous blue and green
Mature size: 18 IN - 30 IN - wide, 30 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: chocolate and purple blooms in spring and summer
Uses: compact, showy seedheads

GROWING CONDITIONS for Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: acidic, average, clay, gritty, lean, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Velvety deep-dusky-purple flowers in upright lupine-like flowers, spring-into-summer make a handsome picture atop this compact (2-3') bush, almost native... 14 years from prairie to compact beauty. S/M-D
Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate' has velvety, chocolate-purple flowers. The plants have an upright habit and are densely compac with attractive, blue-green foliage. The cultivars of the Decadence Series from breeder Hans Hansen were selected specifically for their shorter, more compact habit and unique flower colours. Baptisia are like perennial lupins. Though they are herbaceous they act much like a shrub for design purposes.

Gardening facts about Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate' plant

How to Grow Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • acidic
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • purple
    • chocolate
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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