Baptisia flowers
Baptisia australis (Blue false indigo) is a must have shrub. With beautiful 3-season interest it’s not just the indigo blue flowers that shine but the complete package. I have 2-baptisias’ growing at my place and I am a huge fan of the blue-green foliage. I wasn’t familiar with this plant at first. I was surprised in mid-spring to see shoots resembling fresh asparagus emerging from naked soil. It was such a pleasant surprise to see this plant emerge and grow out within a month or so. Yes, this plant dies back completely so if you’ve tidied up the foliage and cut the plant back in autumn you’ll enjoy watching it emerge.
About:
Blue False Indigo is:
~Native to the eastern North American prairies, meadows, open woods…
~Native Americans used this plant medicinally to treat tooth aches, nausea and as an eye wash.
~Size: 3-4′ wide x 3-4′ tall.
~Cut the stems back to the ground in late winter or early spring before new shoots emerge.
~Exposure: full sun is best. Part shade is ok though may get floppy and flower less.
~Notes: Keep well watered till established at which time it is drought tolerant. This plant appreciates some tough love, too much water causes stems to flop over. Usually deer resistant.
~Blooms: May – July
Baptisia flowers. Courthouse square Bloomington, Indiana. May 18, 2023
Blue lupine like flowers rising above the foliage. Courthouse square Bloomington, Indiana. May 18, 2023
Not always necessary, but if you need to make more compact, pruning select stems to the base and artfully heading-back may do the trick. To enjoy the flowers – wait until they fade out