SafePlants

Baptisia x variicolor 'Twilite' Prairieblues™

Baptisia x variicolor 'Twilite' Prairieblues™, also known as Twilite Prairieblues™ False Indigo, is a stunning hybrid baptisia celebrated for its unique bicolor blooms and robust growth habit.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant produces black seed pods late in the season.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Baptisia x variicolor 'Twilite' Prairieblues™
• Common Names: Twilite Prairieblues™ False Indigo, False Indigo, Blue Wild Indigo, Wild Indigo
• Synonym: Baptisia x variicolor
• Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

Baptisia x variicolor 'Twilite' Prairieblues™ is a hybrid resulting from a controlled cross between Baptisia australis (a common blue variety) and Baptisia sphaerocarpa (a yellow-flowered species). The name Baptisia variicolor Kosnik & al. is currently considered unresolved.

Distribution and Habitat

This hybrid is a native perennial. It thrives in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil and prefers full sun to part shade. It demonstrates tolerance to drought and poor soils.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Forms a tall and bushy clump with healthy blue-green leaves.
• Reaches a mature height and spread of approximately 3 feet.
• Features spires of tightly packed, deep violet-purple flowers with lemon-yellow keels.
• Can produce up to 100 flower spikes per plant when mature.
• Clover-like, trifoliate blue green leaves

Quirky Facts

• This selection was the first hybrid False Indigo introduced from the Chicago Botanic Garden, developed by Dr. Jim Ault.
• Some describe the flower coloration as chocolate-purple and lemon-yellow.

Ecological Role

• The flowers attract butterflies.

Additional Information

• Plant Patent Number: PP#19011
• Find more information at RHS (Royal Horticultural Society).
• Available at Digging Dog Mail Order Nursery.
• Also available at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.