This is the best-known species of Baptisia--a treasured North American native wildflower that blooms in early summer, and has a confusing name. Wild Indigo, a closely related species, has yellow flowers, but the stems yield a pale blue dye, thus the name. This one actually has blue flowers, but none of the group has ever been very successful in coloring, the name notwithstanding.
Today, this beautiful wildflower, though quite common in many areas, is rare in others. It is threatened which means quite rare, in Maryland and Indiana, and actually officially listed as endangered in Ohio. But in Texas, for example, its one of the most persistent flowering wild plants, even through severe droughts and endless baking summers. Baptisias are great for xeriscaping, the practice of creating gardens that need very little watering. And they're great plants for the wildflower collector.
The other Wild Ones: Other native species of Baptisia have yellow, or even pinkish-purple blooms. In recent years, the hybridizers have been at work creating several beautiful new versions of this native favorite.
More Information| SKU | AM014418 |
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| Item Package Size | Plant - 3" Pot |
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| Common Name | Blue False Indigo |
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| Botanical Name | Baptisia australis |
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| Zones | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
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| Light Requirements | Full Sun |
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| Flower Color | Blue |
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| Flower Size | 10-12" flower |
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| Mature Height | 36-48" tall |
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| Estimated Mature Spread | 24-36" wide |
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| Growth Rate | Slow |
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| Bloom Time | Early summer |
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| Planting Depth | Crown of plant should rest just at or above the soil surface after watering in. |
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| Ships As | Potted Plant |
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| Foliage | Bushy upright blue-green foliage. |
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| Soil Type | Loamy Soil, Drought/Dry Soil, Moist/Wet Soil |
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| Soil Moisture | Dry, Average, Moist / Wet, Well Draining |
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| Tolerates | Dry Sites |
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| Advantages | Attract Butterflies, Attract Birds, Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Native, Good For Cut Flowers, Good For Dried Flowers |
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| Awards | 2010 Perennial of the Year. |
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| Ideal Region | Northeast, Southeast, Midwest |
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| Planting Time | Spring / Summer |
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| Neonicotinoid Free | |
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| Poisonous or Toxic to Animals | All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested. |
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| Ships to Hawaii, Alaska & Canada | No |
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