Baptisia australis
False Indigo
Description
A distinctive perennial with showy indigo-blue flowers carried on tapering spikes up to 1ft. long. They are held just above the dense, bushy mounds of soft blue-green foliage. The blooms appear from mid to late spring, followed by 2-3 in. long, black seed pods which remain attractive well into winter. They can be dried for use in arrangements. Baptisia australis is native to the prairies of North America, so it is easy to grow and will thrive with little maintenance. There are many potential applications in the landscape including meadow plantings, as a backdrop in borders, or as a specimen. Plants are very long-lived once established.
Plant Type
Perennial
Height Range
1-3', 3-6'
Width Range
1-3'
Flower Color
Blue, Purple
Flower Season
Spring
Leaf Color
Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low, Medium
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Loam
Soil Condition
Rich
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Adverse Factors
Attracts Bees
Design Styles
English Cottage, Formal, Japanese, Meadow, Water Garden, Wild Garden, Woodland
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Spring
Location Uses
Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Container, Cut Flowers, Erosion Control, Mass Planting
Attracts Wildlife
Butterflies
Water between sunset and sunrise when temperatures and wind are the lowest.