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Description
Baptisia Vanilla Cream is a perennial plant that is known for its stunning appearance and ability to attract pollinators. It is a member of the Fabaceae family, which includes legumes like beans and peas. This plant is commonly found in North America and is often used in gardens and landscaping due to its beauty and hardiness.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Baptisia |
Appearance
Baptisia Vanilla Cream is a striking plant, with tall spikes of creamy white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are shaped like pea blossoms and are held above the foliage on sturdy stems. The leaves are blue-green and are arranged in a tri-leaflet pattern. The plant typically grows to be about 3-4 feet tall and wide.
Care Guide
Baptisia Vanilla Cream is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some attention to ensure it thrives. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Baptisia Vanilla Cream prefers well-draining soil and does not like to be over-watered. Be sure to water deeply once a week, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.- Fertilization: This plant does not require a lot of fertilizer, but a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can help promote growth.- Soil: Baptisia Vanilla Cream prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of around 6.5. It also needs well-draining soil to prevent root rot.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. Be sure to plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Baptisia Vanilla Cream is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Baptisia Vanilla Cream is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly-draining soil. Some common pests that may affect this plant include aphids and spider mites.
Habitat
Baptisia Vanilla Cream is native to North America and is commonly found in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Baptisia Vanilla Cream be grown in containers?
A: While it is possible to grow this plant in containers, it is not recommended as it prefers to have a deep root system.
Q: How often should I fertilize this plant?
A: A light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring should be sufficient to promote growth.
Q: Does Baptisia Vanilla Cream require pruning?
A: This plant does not require regular pruning, but you can cut back the stems after the flowers have faded to promote bushier growth.
Q: How often should I water this plant?
A: Water deeply once a week, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Related Plants
– Baptisia australis- Baptisia bracteata- Baptisia leucophaea- Baptisia sphaerocarpa
References
– Dirr, Michael A. “Baptisia.” Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs, Timber Press, 2019, pp. 231-232.- “Baptisia.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c920.- “Baptisia Vanilla Cream.” White Flower Farm, www.whiteflowerfarm.com/baptisia-vanilla-cream.
