Blue False Indigo

Baptisia australis

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 …

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In stock
SKU
31520-03 / 11520
Plants 3" Pots
1-4 $7.99 ea.
5-10 $6.99 ea.
11-31 $5.99 ea.
32+ $4.99 ea.
Seeds 1,600 seeds/oz
1/4 Oz $8.00
1/2 Oz $12.00
Oz $20.00
Lb $300.00
Cultural Details
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'
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.