Baptisia Purple Smoke - False Indigo

The cultivation of Baptisia australis requires a bit of skill to succeed smoothly:

Not very tolerant to limestone soils, this tall perennial appreciates light and well-draining soils, but can tolerate summer drought.

In the first year of cultivation, the plant may seem to be vegetating, which is normal. Young Baptisia plants have very slow growth and their taproot is particularly fragile until it is deeply anchored in the soil. Make sure not to damage it during planting! Also, do not leave a young plant in its pot for too long, the taproot could bend when reaching the bottom.
Optionally, add a small handful of phosphate fertilizer (a root stimulant) that you will mix with the soil at the time of planting. Add 1/3 sand and 1/3 gravel to heavy soil to ensure good drainage, which is essential. Water moderately in the first year.

In the second or third year, the plant will be established, will not require any special care, and will be able to flower profusely for many years!

Attention, voles also seem to be fond of its fleshy roots.