Redneck Lupines on a Roll: Breeding Advances in the genus Baptisia

摘要

My love for baptisias began many years ago, but it was in 1994 that I went off the proverbial deep end for this herbaceous genus of glorified peas in the family Faba-ceae (Leguminosae). Perhaps it was my numerous unsuccessful attempts to grow other Fabaceae genera such as Lupinus that led me to the virtually indestructible genus Baptisia and its 16 currently recognized species. It is obvious from their native range that baptisias are extraordinarily drought tolerant lovers of hot weather. Consequently, gardeners growing them in cool climates will benefit from siting them in the hottest of garden locations.