Baptisia

Baptisia is a long-lived perennial native to North America that, at first glance, resembles the popular lupine. It belongs to the pea family and serves a similar role in the garden, but with a huge advantage. Unlike lupines, it does not suffer from fungal diseases and is far less attractive to slugs. Early in summer, it produces clumps of sturdy stems with a multitude of flowers in a wide range of colors, from traditional blue and purple to white, yellow, and even unusual dark shades. However, the interest does not end when the petals fall. After flowering, striking large pods form on the stems, decorating the plant until autumn. In flower beds, it needs plenty of space because it gradually grows larger over the years. It thrives best in a sunny spot with well-drained soil, where it can easily handle summer droughts once its roots are well-established.