Baptisia australis

Baptisia australis, commonly called blue false indigo, is an upright perennial which typically grows 3-4' tall and occurs in rich woods, thickets and along streambanks from Pennsylvania south to North Carolina and Tennessee.   

Where to Plant: It grows best in full sun to part shade but tends to get a little floppy when it doesn’t get a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight. It forms tall clumps which are especially attractive planted next to wooden fences. The bright, indigo blue flowers are attractive when combined with yellow or white flowering perennials. Wild Blue Indigo is easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. However, it does best in full sun. Over time, plants develop slowly expanding clumps with deep and extensive root systems and should not be disturbed once established. They may be grown from seed but takes several years to yellow-flowered.

Found in : Forest or natural areas in woodland borders and open woods; landscape in flower gardens as native, herbaceous perennials

Another plant option: B. tinctoria, a yellow-flowered species of Baptisia, is also native to the eastern USA and grows well in warm, sunny gardens.

Seasons of Interest: 

  Blooms: Spring             Nut/Fruit/Seed:  Late summer

Pruning Tips: Plants take on more of a shrubby appearance and tend to open up after bloom. Trimming or shearing foliage after bloom helps maintain rounded plant appearance and obviates a possible need for staking, but eliminates the developing seed pods which are so attractive.

Propagation Tips: Seed sown when fresh in mid-summer. The best way to propagate this plant is to collect seeds in late summer as soon as they mature and sow them directly where you want them to grow. Cuttings taken in April or May will also root fairly easily if they are taken while the growth is still soft.  

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: Taller plants may need support, particularly when grown in part shade locations.