False Indigo

Native and highly reliable perennial.

Botanical Name: Baptisia

The following varieties may be available: Baptisia australis, Gold Finch, Twilight Prairie Blues, Solar Flare, Blueberry Sundae, Lemon Meringue, Pink Lemonade, Burgundy Blast, Grape Escape, Indigo Spires, Plum Rosy, Purple Smoke, Vanilla Cream

Seasons of availability: Spring

Landscape Value:

False Indigo is an herbaceous perennial native from the East to the Midwest of North America. They grow approximately 2 to 4 feet tall with attractive flowers that appear in late spring to early summer. The flowers are typically a deep blue, yellow, or white. Baptisia australis is the primary locally native variety that may be available, but dozens of excellent North American hybrid varieties may be available in limited quantities.

Plant Care:

False Indigo prefers partial shade to sun with tolerance of drought, poor and dry soil, and erosion. They can fix nitrogen into the soil, making them perfect for recovering sites. They have a deep taproot making them drought tolerant but difficult to transplant. Include these in a drought-tolerant gardens, a native garden, naturalized areas or a pollinator garden as a specimen or in the border.

Ideal planting seasons: Spring or Fall