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perennial

Blue False Indigo

Baptisia australis

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Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) at Gertens

Blue False Indigo flowers

Blue False Indigo flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) at Gertens

Blue False Indigo in bloom

Blue False Indigo in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  4 feet

Spread:  4 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  3a

Other Names:  False Indigo, Blue Wild Indigo

Brand:  Gertens

Description:

Blue-green leaves and strong stems with long tapering spikes of indigo-blue, pea-shaped flowers in early summer

Ornamental Features

Blue False Indigo has masses of beautiful spikes of indigo pea-like flowers rising above the foliage from mid spring to early summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The flowers are excellent for cutting. Its round compound leaves remain olive green in color throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Blue False Indigo is an herbaceous perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Blue False Indigo is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Blue False Indigo will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 25 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for alkaline soils, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America.

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Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight Soil pH Preference
Characteristics
Massing  Garden 
Applications
Flowers  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features
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