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Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate'

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£8.99

Size:

9cm pot

Code: 35679

Availability: 23 item(s)

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At a Glance

Variety: Baptisia
Size: 9cm pot
Mature Height (?):

What does this mean?

Mature Height

You can expect the height to reach somewhere within this estimate. It is given as a guide but can vary dependant on several factors such as soil quality and position.

For Conifers and Trees this may be the height in 10-20 years, eventually the plant may exceed this height.

90cm
Mature Spread (?):

What does this mean?

Mature Spread

You can expect the plant to spread somewhere within this range estimate. It is given as a guide but can vary dependant on several factors such as soil quality and position.

For Conifers and Trees this may be the spread in 10-20 years, eventually the plant may exceed this.

60cm
Flower Colour (?):

What does this mean?

Flower Colour

Flowers come in a vast variety of colours from pure white to almost black. Colour can be affected by a number of factors including environment and diet. Use the photographs as a guide and expect variations.

Brown
Flowering Time (?):

What does this mean?

Flowering Time

A plants development is synchronised with the changing seasons and flowering is one of several changes that occur at the appropriate time of year dependent on the specific plant. While our meteorological seasons are defined by specific dates; there can be two or the weeks difference in the start and end of the horticultural 'season' between the north and south of the UK.

Summer
Foliage (?):

What does this mean?

Evergreen

Plants that have leaves all year round are classified as evergreen. They can however lose leaves sporadically throughout the year.

Deciduous

Deciduous plants drop their leaves in autumn, look bare in winter and put out new leaves again in spring. Some plants such a Beech retain their dead leaves until the new spring growth.

Semi-evergreen

There are exceptions, some plant drop their leaves in cold winters but keep them if it is mild. These are classified as Semi-evergreen.

Deciduous
Fragrant (?):

What does this mean?
Fragrant
For plants that are fragrant the level of fragrance may vary, results may improve by planting in larger blocks. The fragrance may come from flowers or foliage.

No
Growth Rate (?):

What does this mean?

Growth rate of a plant will determine how fast the plant reaches it ultimate height and is affected by four main factors: temperature, nutrients, light, and water.

Fast
Hardiness (?):

What does this mean?

Fully Hardy

Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (to -15)

Half Hardy

Hardy throughout most of the UK (to -10)

Frost Hardy

Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of UK (to -5)

Fully Hardy
Position (?):

What does this mean?

Full Sun

Six or more full hours of direct sunlight but don't forget to water.

Partial Shade

Two or three hours either in early morning or late evening sun. Very limited exposure to midday sun.

Dense Shade

Usually no more than two hours direct sunlight. Usually under dense trees, shurbs or in shade cast by buildings/fences etc.

Full sun, Partial shade
Soil Moisture (?):

What does this mean?

Well Drained

Well-drained soil allows water to percolate through reasonably quickly without pooling. Well drained soil can often be dry and lack nutrients.

Poorly Drained

Poorly Drained soil is usually saturated periodically during the growing season and remains wet for several days at a time. Saturated soil can deprive roots of oxygen.

Moist Well Drained

A moist well drained soil is the best of both worlds by combining high permeability with the ability to retain moisture. Adding well rotted organic matter to dry or wet soil will help improve both these characteristics.

Well-drained
Soil PH (?):

What does this mean?

Acid

Soil with a pH between 1 and 7 is classed as acid, ericaceous plants such as Rhododendrons need acid soil.

Neutral

A neutral pH which is around 7, will be suitable for most plants. Clay soils tend to be neutral.

Alkaline

Soil with a pH between 7 and 14 are refereed to as Alkaline. Chalky soil is usually Alkaline.

Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Type (?):

What does this mean?

Chalk

Chalky or lime-rich soils may be light or heavy, largely made up of calcium carbonate and are very alkaline.

Clay

Clay soils are potentially fertile and hold a high proportion of water. They drain slowly and take longer to warm up in spring.

Loam

Loam soils are s mixture of clay, sand and silt that avoid the extremes of clay or sandy soils. Fertile, well-drained and easily worked.

Sand

Sandy soils have a low clay content, drain quickly, easy to cultivate and work. They can dry out quickly and are low in plant nutrients. Often very acidic.

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate' – Herbaceous Perennial

Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate' is a striking and hardy herbaceous perennial that will add a touch of elegance and drama to any garden. Known for its distinctive chocolate-brown flower spikes and dark green foliage, this variety is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create a bold, long-lasting statement in their planting schemes. A member of the pea family, Baptisia offers a unique texture and colour combination, making it an ideal choice for borders, cottage gardens, or naturalised areas.

At a Glance

Type: Herbaceous perennial
Flower Colour: Dark chocolate-brown to purple flowers
Foliage: Dark green, trifoliate leaves
Height: 90cm (3ft)
Spread: 60cm (2ft)
Flowering Time: Late spring to early summer (May to June)
Hardiness: Hardy in the UK down to temperatures of -20 degrees Celcius (RHS hardiness rating H7)

Dramatic Chocolate-Brown Flowers

One of the most striking features of Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate' is its dark chocolate-brown flowers that appear in late spring to early summer. These bold, pea-like blooms are arranged in dense, upright spikes, giving the plant an architectural feel. The deep, rich colour of the flowers contrasts beautifully with the vibrant green foliage, making it a standout feature in the garden.

Easy to Grow and Low Maintenance

Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate' is a tough and resilient plant, perfect for gardeners who want a low-maintenance addition to their garden. It thrives in well-drained soil and tolerates a wide range of growing conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Its deep taproot gives it excellent drought tolerance once established, making it a great choice for those seeking a hardy plant that requires minimal watering once settled.

Planting Tips

Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil is ideal. While it tolerates dry conditions, it does best in moist, well-drained soil.
Potted: Can grown in pots can be planted at any time of the year providing the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.
Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system, after which it becomes more drought-tolerant.
Position: Prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer regions.
Fertilising: Baptisia is not particularly demanding when it comes to fertilisation. Applying a layer of compost or well-rotted manure in spring will help improve the soil and encourage strong growth.

Attractive to Pollinators

The flowers of Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate' are highly attractive to pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies. Planting it in a mixed border or near other nectar-rich plants will help to create a thriving environment for beneficial insects. This plant’s natural appeal to pollinators makes it a great choice for wildlife gardens or any garden looking to support local ecosystems.

Long-Lasting in the Garden

Once established, Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate' is a very long-lived perennial that can remain in the same spot for many years, making it an excellent investment for your garden. The plant’s sturdy, upright growth and compact form make it suitable for both small and larger garden spaces. The dark green foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, providing a contrast to its bold flowers, and the plant requires minimal maintenance.

Pruning and Care

While Baptisia doesn't require regular pruning, it's a good idea to remove any spent flower spikes to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage the growth of fresh foliage. In the autumn, you can cut the plant back to the ground after it has died back, which will help ensure healthy new growth in the spring.

A Versatile Addition to Garden Designs

Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate' is perfect for a variety of garden settings:

Mixed borders, where its bold flowers and striking foliage provide contrast to other plants
Cottage gardens, where its rustic charm blends well with a variety of other perennials
Wildlife gardens, thanks to its attraction for pollinators
Naturalised areas or meadows, where its resilience and striking colour make a statement
Cut flower arrangements, as the flowers can be cut and added to vases for a unique, long-lasting display

Its upright habit and strong structure also make it a great choice for adding height to flower beds without overwhelming other plants.

Hardiness and Winter Care

Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate' is fully hardy in the UK and can withstand cold winters, making it suitable for most regions. It benefits from being left undisturbed over the winter, allowing the foliage to die back naturally and protect the crown of the plant. You can mulch around the base in late autumn to help insulate the roots during particularly cold spells.

Why Choose Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate'?

Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate' is a wonderful plant for gardeners looking to add a unique, low-maintenance perennial to their garden. Its striking chocolate-brown flowers, tough nature, and attraction for pollinators make it a standout choice. Whether used as a focal point in borders or in a wildlife-friendly garden, this plant will provide beauty and structure for years to come.

Order now and enjoy the bold beauty and resilience of Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate' in your garden!

Perennial Notes
Perennial Guide & Care
Alternatives
Companions
Reviews

Buying Perennials from Jacksons Nurseries

At Jacksons Nurseries we lightly trim back our perennials after flowering to ensure that the plants remain neat and tidy whilst in the pot. The more tender the plant the less we cut back to help protect exposed stems from winter frost. Depending on the plant variety we will then prune back further in spring once the risk of the more severe frosts is over.

As a result, depending on the time of year you buy perennials, they may not look like images showing their ‘prime time’ in flower and looking at their best.

From late autumn onwards and dependent on variety, there may be very little visible above the soil except for a few cut back dormant leaves or stems. It is perfectly normal for dormant plants to look like this from autumn onwards, they will however burst back into life in spring.

Availability: Stock availability figures are provided as a guide only. There is a delay between orders being placed and the plants being gathered by our pulling team. During this time it may be possible for a member of the public to purchase these plants from our Garden Centre, while this is rare it is a possibility and we will notify you of any problems as soon as possible. This figure may also include plants that have not yet be flagged as unsaleable.

Pre-order: Pre-order times are given as a guide only and may vary dependent on the growing season. Orders containing Pre-ordered products will be shipped as a single order when all items become available. Large orders may be part shipped, please contact us on 01782 502741 or email sales@jacksonsnurseries.co.uk.

Perennials are described and classified differently by different gardeners but all would agree that they are plants that come into flower every year from early spring to late summer, the exact time dependent on variety and most die back to ground level in autumn and winter.

As for all plants, soil preparation is time well spent. Dig over the area to be planted ensuring that the ground is free draining. If not then you may wish to either consider planting in a different spot or raising the level of the planting area by adding additional topsoil, well rotted garden compost and/or well rotted manure. Add ‘Fish, Blood and Bone’ fertiliser or a high potash fertiliser to encourage good root growth and development.

It’s always a good idea to plant a few of the same plant together, we recommend planting in 3’s or 5’s to provide a bold effect but allowing them plenty of room to develop.

Always check eventual plant heights when planning borders to ensure that the taller plants are at the back (or at the centre of an island bed) followed by the medium and then smaller low growing plants.

Remember to deadhead perennials after flowering, trim back lightly in autumn as required to tidy the border and if necessary trim again in spring once the risk of heavy frost has passed.

If perennials get too big, start to flower less and less or if it seems to be dying off from the centre, consider dividing the plant but always check that the particular variety is happy to be divided and that you divide at the right time of year for the plant.

By using this simple guide and a little time, perennials can make an absolutely spectacular difference to your garden.

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