Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip'

False indigo, Baptisia, is a rather unusual plant which grows in well-drained acid soils. The foliage is like that of a tall, bushy pea plant with blue-green leaves. In early summer plants are topped with tall spires of large, blue pea flowers like those of a rather large lupin. After the flowers are over, plants produce large seed pods which ripen to a deep grey and are an attractive late feature. Baptisias dislike being disturbed, so save the seeds to sow in spring to raise new plants, rather than trying to divide old ones.

Baptisia 'Chocolate Chip' is an unusual variety, which bears tall stalks of chocolate flowers that emerge upright, then appear to fall over as they age. Grow it in a sunny acidic border, or in pots for a dramatic patio display.