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Baptisia 'Purple Smoke'

Common Name: 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
Width:	3-4'
Height:	4-5'
Fragrant:	Not verified
Fruit:	Not verified
Growth Rate	Moderate
Zone:	4–9
Deer Resistant:	Yes
Salt Tolerant:	Not verified
Drought Tolerant:	Yes
Attract:	Butterflies
Exposure:	Full Sun
Bloom Time:	Late Spring, Mid Spring
Shape:	Rounded, Clump
Soil Type	Normal, Loamy well-drained, Sandy well-drained
Leaf Color:	Green
Fall Color:	Green