Gardening Unplugged - Baptisias in the Garden with Tony Avent

[@jackierostow9537]

It's such a beautiful plant. My town's garden club has both the yellow and the blue. I think it is pronounced "Bap-Tee-Sja." Accent on second syllable.

[@mrilovetheants]

Oh crap! I planted two Blue Towers years ago and one has really taken off while the other is roughly a third of the size. I was hoping to divide the bigger one to try and balance things out. Then I hear the story about the roots damaging digging equipment... guahhh looking forward to finding out first hand.

[@Plantdelights]

Yeah, the roots are quite tough. If you don't have a sharp shovel then a pair of sacrificial pruners can be used to cut the roots.

[@tico78742]

How have I never had this in my garden? Seems full proof with sun.

[@Plantdelights]

They really are!

[@camillaluckey4136]

Enjoy & appreciate tour but would prefer cameraman keep camera focussed on plant, maybe using sustained close-ups, rather than on you. Thanks.

[@Plantdelights]

Thank you for the feedback, we are working on our camera skills : )

[@warmblood8016]

Are Baptisia roots a problem for septics or pipes?

[@Plantdelights]

Hello! We wouldn't plant them right on top of a septic tank, that may cause an issue. They can be safely planted about 8 feet away from the tank.

[@warmblood8016]

@@Plantdelights Thanks!

[@joycehwys]

Can you grow baptismi in a large planter

[@Plantdelights]

We generally don't recommend growing Baptisias in containers because they need full sun and they develop very intense, deep root structures which allow them to be so drought resistant. Some varieties get 4-5 feet wide... And the roots will go 3-4 feet down into the soil. If I was attempting to grow a Baptisia in a planter, I would select a smaller species (we are working on introducing dwarf varieties in the near future) and use an automated irrigation, or set the pot in a large pan with water or even in a pond. They do great as a semi aquatic.

[@brendadeas8840]

Will they do well on a bank?

[@Plantdelights]

Yes, their roots are very strong and they are tolerant of both wet and dry soils.

[@dodie3031]

Whoever was working the camera did a horrible job...