Blue False Indigo
Blue False Indigo is a large bush-like perennial, with dense clusters of deep blue flowers on long upright spikes. In its first few years this long-lived plant develops mostly below ground. After the first two seasons the blooms are increasingly showy as the …
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
|---|---|
| Soil Moisture | Medium |
| Sun Exposure | Full Sun, Partial |
| Height | 3' - 5' |
| Bloom Color | Purple, Blue |
| Bloom Time | June, July |
| Spacing | 2' - 3' |
| Hardiness Zones | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 |
| Root Type | Taproot |
| Benefits | Pollinators, Hummingbirds, Host Plant, Deer Resistant |
| Seeds per Oz | 1600 |
| Propagation Treatment | Dry Stratification, Rhizobium, Scarification |
| Direct Sowing Time | Fall |
Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) is a large bushy perennial, with dense clusters of deep blue flowers on long upright spikes. In its first few years this long-lived plant develops mostly below ground. After the first two seasons the blooms are increasingly showy as the plant matures into a shrub-like form around 4’ high. The bluish-green foliage is very attractive and provides a good backdrop to other flowering plants. It makes a strong statement as a specimen plant in formal designs, and is beautiful in a naturalized setting, as well. Because of its wide, branching form, generous spacing is advisable. Easily grown in any average soil, Baptisia australis prefers full sun and is quite drought tolerant, but also does well in partial shade. The tough rootstock can be divided in fall or spring when the plant is dormant.
Blue False Indigo attracts many pollinators and is also a host plant for the Frosted Elfin, Wild Indigo Duskywing, and Hoary Edge butterflies.
