A few species grow no more than 1 to 2 feet tall. australis, grow 3 to 4 feet tall by 3 to 4 feet wide in cultivation. They are excellent, attractive, low-maintenance plants. As a group, these perennials are deer resistant, heat and humidity tolerant, and drought tolerant once established. Baptisias have a very wide, natural range to which they seem well adapted. Several are native to South Carolina, and all baptisias can be grown throughout the state. There are around 20 species of Baptisia, all native to eastern or midwestern North America. Blue false indigo ( Baptisia australis) and yellow wild indigo ( Baptisia tinctoria) were used to produce a blue dye by both Native Americans and settlers before the introduction of the better quality true indigo ( Indigofera tinctoria). The botanical name Baptisia originates from the Greek word bapto, to dip or to dye. They provide an extended season of interest from flowers and foliage. Photo by Tim Waters, Flickr, Creative Commons License 2.0īaptisias, also known as false or wild indigos ( Baptisia spp.), are a group of large, long-lived perennials. They bloom from early summer to early fall.Baptisia australis (blue false indigo) in bloom shows the appeal of these plants. Ornamental types of catmint, however, are grown precisely for their pretty, long-blooming flowers, which are generally bluish or purplish. Catnip bears clusters of small blooms that are usually white with light purple markings. The flowers bloom in the late spring to early fall. All you have to do is harvest the leafy stems, hang them up to dry, then crush the dried leaves and flowers for your cat. It's grown by cat owners because cats are famously attracted to this perennial herb. Most are hardy enough for gardens in zones 3 and 4.Ĭatnip isn't grown as an ornamental. Deer hate the smell of all Nepeta plants, so they generally don't eat them. Catnip can be classified as an herb, whereas the other types of catmint are considered garden flowers. Any plant listed as being in the Nepeta genus is considered to be a type of catmint. The Spruce Home Improvement Review BoardĬatnip ( Nepeta cataria) is perhaps the best-known of the catmint plants.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |