Hi Diane,

Once established, baptisias are very tough plants. How long have they been in the ground?

This looks like a possible fungal or overwatering issue. Are the plants in sun or shade? How often have you been watering? Baptisias have a tap root and if the plants have been in the ground for awhile they will be drought resistant. Newer plants will need an occasional drink in summers like this.

If you’ve been watering heavily I would water less often. Also, pull the wood mulch away from the base of the plant so there is space between the stems and mulch. Wood mulch against the base of the plant can create rot and other disease issues.

I hope this helps. 

Thank you for your response.  The baptisias were planted in June 2021.  The plants do get a lot of sun but probably not quite 6 hours.  My guess is that overwatering is the problem but I am not sure.  What should I look for to check for rot or other diseases?  I don't see anything at the base of the plant and I have moved the mulch away from the plant stems.  Should I cut out the stems with the black leaves?  I have stopped watering but nature seems to now be sending an abundance of water.  If all of the stems and leaves die this summer will the plant die or will it return next spring?  The baptisias are surrounded by Molinia 'Skyracer', Penstemon 'Dark Towers', Sporobolus heterolepis 'Tara' and Amsonia hubrichtil.  Once established, do these plants also require less water?

Thank you so much.  I really appreciate your help.

Diane Pearson

Hi, 

You can cut the black stems off, but I’d do it when the weather is dry. This plant is tough, it should be fine next year. 

Just to be safe, bag and remove all the stems and leaves from the baptisia   after we have a freeze this fall.

All those perennials are tough and they’ve been in the ground long enough to be well established.  If we have another drought next year, I’d water every few weeks. I have a similar area in my yard and I think I’ve watered three times this summer.

Thanks!