Baptisia 'Purple Smoke'

Hybrid False Indigo

Baptisia ‘Purple Smoke’ is a striking and long-lived false indigo (Baptisia) hybrid prized for its smoky violet flower spikes and architectural presence in the late-spring garden. A chance seedling discovered at the North Carolina Botanical Garden, it combines the attractive gray-green foliage and charcoal stems of its parents with abundant, pea-like blooms held well above the foliage.

Key features
Width / spread: 3–4 ft at maturity (sometimes up to ~4–5 ft)
Height: 4–5 ft at maturity, flower stems included
Flower color: Smoky violet-lavender with dusky tones and charcoal stems
Bloom time: Mid to late spring
Foliage: Gray-green, finely textured deciduous clump
Form: Upright, mounded clump with tall flower stalks
Life cycle: Herbaceous perennial (dies back in winter)

Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun (best flowering performance)
Soil: Average to well-drained soil; tolerates poorer soils once established
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9

Landscape use
Specimen plantings
Back of perennial borders
Prairie or meadow gardens
Mixed perennial beds
Cut flower and wildlife gardens

Notes


A standout Baptisia for gardens where height and vertical interest are desired without staking.



Deep-rooted and drought tolerant once established, but best space plenty of room due to its mature size.



Attracts pollinators, including bees and butterflies, in spring and early summer. 

Plant type

Perennial

Height

4-5'

Width

3-4'

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring, Mid Spring

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Loamy well-drained, Normal, Sandy well-drained

Shape

Clump, Rounded

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes