Spotlight on Blue Flowering Baptisia Australis – Blue False Indigo!

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

 

 

 

Happy Gardening!

Nicole