Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ever wondered what the best flowers and plants are for your garden? Search our extensive database of frequently asked questions - and their answers! Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
       
 

Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with a Plant Identification, submit your photo to the Green Guru.

rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Wednesday - July 07, 2004

From: Greensboro, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Plant Care
Title: Patience for slow-growing Baptisia
Author: Stephen Brueggerhoff

QUESTION:

I have three different varieties of well established Baptisia that I have had for several years ... none of them bloom. One of my plants got a very small flower in April, but just pooped out after that. They are pretty plants, nice foliage ... but I love the blooms that I never get. They are in very loamy soil ... about six inches of decayed leaf litter with clay underneath. Any suggestions?

ANSWER:

The answer to your question lies in patience. Baptisia species are slow growing, generally providing blooming after a 2 to 3 year period of maturity. They are members of the Pea family (Fabaceae), have long taproots, do not respond well to transplanting, and most of the species require full sun with well draining soil. Depending on the species that you have acquired, next year may provide adequate blooming for you.
 
Please support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.

More on Plant Care from Mr. Smarty Plants

Question: November 17, 2009 - I need help with a purple sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) problem. Most of one of my plants started having paler, more greyish leaves, then the leaves began to fall off. It seemed to still look healthy at the tips and it still blooms, but now has very few leaves on most of that plant. Now my healthiest sage is starting the same thing. We have great drainage, do not overwater, and I see no clear evi...
view the full question and answer

Question: November 16, 2009 - I have a Mexican Turk's cap, it is in its second year of growth and is doing well. However, I feel a need to prune it? do I need to?
view the full question and answer

Question: November 15, 2009 - Have you heard of the following plants: Butterfly Iris,Compact Nanpina, Red Dawrf Turks I would like to know some details on the above plant: size, flowers?, draught tolerant, where to plant Thanking you in advance for whatever information you can give me.
view the full question and answer