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Baptisia australis

False Indigo

Plant photo of: Baptisia australis
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Information by: Walters Gardens Inc.        Photographer: Walters Gardens Inc.

 

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 Saving Tip:

Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.