A resilient native wildflower, Baptisia is an easy-care perennial that brings gorgeous flowers to your garden year after year. Also known as false indigo, these plants are drought tolerant, deer resistant, and attract bees and butterflies.
We have several baptisia in our perennial border; this one has a flower support at the base to keep the outer stems from flopping.
Noted for its long blooming season, Baptisia 'Midnight' is an upright perennial bearing a profusion of extremely long inflorescences, 24 in. (60 cm), bearing deep blue-violet flowers. Unlike most False Indigos, this plant has two bloom cycles within its blooming season. The first cycle produces long flower spikes up to 24 in. long in late spring. It is quickly followed by a second cycle, which produces blooms on secondary branches with inflorescences up to 5 in. long (12 cm), further extending its flowering season.
Blue False Indigo is a large bush-like perennial, with dense clusters of deep blue flowers on long upright spikes. In its first few years this long-lived plant develops mostly below ground. After the first two seasons the blooms are increasingly showy as the …
Find Decadence Lemon Meringue False Indigo (Baptisia 'Lemon Meringue') in Billings, Montana (MT) at Canyon Creek Nursery (False Indigo)
False indigo or baptisia is a unique and easy plant to grow. It is an excellent companion plant that is probably not used enough.
BAPTISIA australis - Blue False Indigo at Klyn Nurseries, Inc. growth habit, growing conditions, bloom & foliage color, and zone hardiness.
Features Soft yellow flowers appears atop the compact clump of deep blue-green foliage in spring. The flowers age to dusty raspberry purple, showing both colors at the same time. Fall Interest Deadheading Not Necessary Drought Tolerant Salt Tolerant Attracts: Bees Butterflies Resists: Deer Native to North America Characteristics Plant Type: Perennial Height Category: Tall Garden Height: 42 - 48 Inches Spacing: 46 - 48 Inches Spread: 46 - 48 Inches Flower Colors: Pink Flower Colors: Yellow Flower Shade: Soft yellow ages to dusty raspberry purple Foliage Colors: Green Foliage Shade: Green Habit: Mounded Container Role: Thriller Plant Needs Light Requirement: Part Sun to Sun The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours). Maintenance Category: Easy Bloom Time: Early Summer Bloom Time: Late Spring Hardiness Zones: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b Water Category: Average Soil Fertility Requirement: Average Soil Soil Fertility Requirement: Poor Soil Soil PH Category: Acidic Soil Soil PH Category: Neutral Soil Uses: Border Plant Uses: Cut Flower Uses: Dried Flower Uses: Landscape Uses: Specimen or Focal Point Maintenance Notes: Grows best in full sun and average to poor, well-drained soil. Moderately drought tolerant once established. Very long-lived perennial. Decadence® Deluxe 'Pink Lemonade' Baptisia hybrid USPP 30,669, Can 6,255 Professional Growing Information
Learn about growing baptisia, also known as false wild indigo, a tough native perennial that blooms in spring.
Features Soft yellow flowers appears atop the compact clump of deep blue-green foliage in spring. The flowers age to dusty raspberry purple, showing both colors at the same time. Fall Interest Deadheading Not Necessary Drought Tolerant Salt Tolerant Attracts: Bees Butterflies Resists: Deer Native to North America Characteristics Plant Type: Perennial Height Category: Tall Garden Height: 42 - 48 Inches Spacing: 46 - 48 Inches Spread: 46 - 48 Inches Flower Colors: Pink Flower Colors: Yellow Flower Shade: Soft yellow ages to dusty raspberry purple Foliage Colors: Green Foliage Shade: Green Habit: Mounded Container Role: Thriller Plant Needs Light Requirement: Part Sun to Sun The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours). Maintenance Category: Easy Bloom Time: Early Summer Bloom Time: Late Spring Hardiness Zones: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b Water Category: Average Soil Fertility Requirement: Average Soil Soil Fertility Requirement: Poor Soil Soil PH Category: Acidic Soil Soil PH Category: Neutral Soil Uses: Border Plant Uses: Cut Flower Uses: Dried Flower Uses: Landscape Uses: Specimen or Focal Point Maintenance Notes: Grows best in full sun and average to poor, well-drained soil. Moderately drought tolerant once established. Very long-lived perennial. Decadence® Deluxe 'Pink Lemonade' Baptisia hybrid USPP 30,669, Can 6,255 Professional Growing Information
BAPTISIA x Lunar Eclipse Prairieblues™ - Lunar Eclipse False Indigo at Klyn Nurseries, Inc. growth habit & conditions, bloom & foliage color, and zone hardiness.
Shop our selection of Blue False Indigo from Direct Native Plants and learn more about delivery options throughout the United States.
One task I am not particularly looking forward to this spring is uprooting and moving a mature False Indigo, Baptisia australis. It's been in the same spot for at least a decade. It's not going to be easy to unearth its deep roots, but sadly it has to be done. A garden like mine could easily be a full-time job, but the reality is that I have an average of just two to four hours a day to spend on it. When I added a new flowerbed to the backyard last summer, I did it knowing that something else would have to give. There was no way I could manage more garden in the same amount of time. With a heavy heart, I decided to reduce the size of the front garden in favour of the more private backyard space. So last fall I moved just about everything but ran out of time before I could tackle the biggest job– the Baptisia you see in the picture above. Spring is a terrible time to move it (it blooms in spring, so the fall would have been a little better), but it's a task that has to be finished. Baptisia australis is a magnificent plant that demands very little. Fingers crossed I don't kill it! Native Baptisia australis was used to produce a blue dye by Native Americans. Baptisia australis is a native plant that can be found in woods, tickets and along stream banks in an area that stretches from southern Pennsylvania to North Carolina and Tennessee. It has purply-blue flower spikes and bluish-green leaves that make me think of peas or clover (it is a member of the pea family). Spent flowers become long, rounded seedpods that age to become deep charcoal. As well as Baptisia australis, there is native Baptisia alba, which has white flowers and Baptisia tinctoria, which has yellow blooms. Baptisia minor is a smaller plant. How to Grow Baptisia: False Indigo, Baptisia australis can be grown in average to quite poor, well-drained soil. It can handle a little bit of light shade, but it would be much happier if you planted it in full sun. When it first emerges in the spring the fresh shoots of Baptisia australis are quite upright. The plant opens up slowly through it's blooming phase and becomes more of a vase shape. This is a large, long-lived perennial. Think small shrub when you try to place it in the garden (Note: there are a few new cultivars that are more compact in size). Baptisia requires patience. It grows quite slowly and may take a few years to get really established. As it grows, it develops deep and extensive roots that make moving it very difficult, so choose a spot carefully and stick with it. The good news is Baptisia is very undemanding and virtually pest-free. I chop mine to the ground in the fall and that's just about all I do. The reward is a spring showstopper that will be well worth the wait. As it has done in my garden, Baptisia australis continues to grow and bloom in the same spot for decades. Propagation: Baptisia can be grown from seed, but you're in for a long wait. It may take as long as three years to see even a few flowers. I'd recommend investing in a decent sized nursery plant instead. Once your Baptisia is established you can propagate new plants from stem cuttings in early spring. I've tried it and it is fairly easy to do. Each cutting needs one set of leaf buds. Plant type: Perennial Height & Spread: Depending on the cultivar: 3-5 ft high x 5-6 ft wide Flower: A range of colors including indigo-blue, yellow, white, pink, purple, lavender, maroon & bi-colors Bloom period: Early spring Leaf color: Fresh green to grey-green Light: Full sun Growing Conditions: Average to poor well-drained soil Water requirements: Fairly drought tolerant once established Companion Plants: Blue Star, Salvia, Gas Plant, Peony, Iris Divide: This is a long-lived perennial that likes to stay put, but it can be divided every 4-5 years. Notes: Deer resistant & pretty much pest-free. USDA Zones: 4-9 Baptisia 'Vanilla Cream'. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners® Modern Cultivars If you've haven't heard of Baptisia yet, there's a reason. They mature slowly, so I doubt they are a quick cash crop for growers. They're also a bit gangly and awkward in a nursery pot. The flowers on a young potted plant are small and don't exactly scream "buy me!" But the popularity this plant is growing and breeders have responded with new and exciting color choices. Here's a quick look at some of the many cultivars now available: 'Purple Smoke' 'Purple Smoke' makes a perfect backdrop for this Salvia. The Toronto Botanical Garden in spring. False Indigo, Baptisia 'Purple Smoke' is a recent introduction from the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Smoky-blue flowers are carried on dark green stems and foliage. Height: 100-135 cm ( 39-53 inches), Spread: 75-90 cm (29-35 inches). USDA Zones: 4-9. Cultivars with Similar Colors: Baptisia 'Lunar Eclipse' (not shown) is initially creamy-lemon and ages into a medium to dark violet producing a pretty two-toned effect. Baptisia 'Starlight Prairieblues' has lavender flowers. Baptisia 'Pink Truffles'. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners® False Indigo, Baptisia Decadence® Deluxe 'Pink Truffles' has soft pink flowers that appear atop a compact clump of deep blue-green foliage. The flowers lighten to lavender with age. This is a smaller sized cultivar. Height: 107-122 cm (42-48 inches), Spread: 152-183 (60-72 inches). USDA zones: 4-9. 'Pink Lemonade'. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners® False Indigo, Baptisia Decadence® Deluxe 'Pink Lemonade' has soft yellow flowers that age to dusty raspberry-purple showing both colors at the same time. Height: 106-121 cm (42-48 inches), Spread: 116-121 cm (46-48 inches). USDA zones: 4-9. Cultivars with Similar Colors: Baptisia 'Solar Flare' has two-toned yellow and rusty-orange flowers. Baptisia 'Vanilla Cream'. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners® False Indigo, Baptisia Decadence® Deluxe 'Vanilla Cream' has pastel yellow buds that open into vanilla flowers. The compact foliage emerges bronze in spring and becomes grey-green. This cultivar was selected for its petite size and unique flowers. Height: 76-90 cm (30-36 inches), Spread: 90-106 cm (36 - 42 inches). USDA zones: 4-9. Baptisia 'Dutch Chocolate'. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners® False Indigo, Baptisia Decadence® Deluxe 'Dutch Chocolate' has velvety chocolate-purple flowers above a compact, relatively short mound of deep blue-green foliage. This vigorous cultivar is well-suited to smaller urban gardens. Height: 76-90 cm (30-36 inches), Spread: 90-106 cm (36 - 42 inches). USDA zones: 4-9. Cultivars with Similar Colors: Baptisia 'Brownie Points' has two-toned yellow and caramel-brown flowers. Baptisia 'Cherries Jubilee' has two-toned yellow and maroon flowers. Baptisia 'Twilight Prairieblues' has smoky purple flowers. 'Sparkling Sapphires'. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners® False Indigo, Baptisia Decadence® 'Sparkling Sapphires' has deep violet-colored flowers on a compact plant with deep blue-green foliage. Height: 76-90 cm (30-36 inches), Spread: 76-90 cm (30-36 inches). USDA zones: 4-9. Cultivars with Similar Colors: Baptisia 'Blue Towers' has periwinkle-blue flowers. Baptisia 'Blueberry Sundae' has deep indigo-blue flowers. Baptisia 'Indigo Spires' has deep reddish-purple flowers. Baptisia 'Midnight Prairie blues' has deep purple flowers. Baptisia 'Lemon Meringue'. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners® False Indigo, Baptisia Decadence® Deluxe 'Lemon Meringue' is a vigorous cultivar that has lemon-yellow flowers on a compact, upright mound of blue-green foliage. Height: 76-90 cm (30-36 inches), Spread: 76-90 cm (30-36 inches). USDA zones: 4-9. Baptisia 'Carolina Moonlight' and a Salvia at its feet. Private garden, Fergus Ontario. Baptisia 'Carolina Moonlight' Private garden, Toronto, Ontario. Yellow False Indigo, Baptisia 'Carolina Moonlight' has blue-green foliage with canary-yellow flowers. Height: 120-135 cm (47-53 inches), Spread: 80-90 cm (31-35 inches). USDA Zones: 4-9. Note:You can find more information on the Proven Winners® cultivars at Provenwinners.com Ideas for Companion Planting: Plant Baptisia in the company of other spring bloomers including Gas Plant, Dictamnus Albus Blue Star, Amsonia, Bearded Iris, Peony, Catmint, Nepeta and Salvia. Yellow and blue Baptisia with pink flowering Phlomis tuberosa 'Amazone'. The Toronto Botanical Garden in spring. Baptisia and Blue Star, Amsonia in my garden. Baptisia and pale yellow Bearded Iris. Private garden, Toronto, Ontario. Yellow Baptisia in the background with Catmint, Salvia and Elderberry, Sambucus racemosa 'Lemony Lace'. Private garden, Toronto, Ontario. Bookmark this post with a Pin.
Very floriferous, Baptisia 'Sparkling Sapphires' (False Indigo) is an upright, densely branched perennial bearing sturdy spikes of pea-shaped, vibrant violet-blue flowers in late spring to early summer. When the flowers fade away, the blue-green foliage, which forms a bushy, spreading mound, remains neat all season and creates a lovely backdrop for the other perennials in the garden. If left untrimmed, the plant forms interesting seedpods turning charcoal-black in the fall and persisting into winter.
Host plant to several different kinds of butterflies. Spring Shipping Now! Elegant, fresh plants in voluminous 3.5" pots
Tried and True Native Plant Selections for the Mid-Atlantic This prized garden plant with attractive gray-green foliage produces beautiful racemes of indigo blue flowers followed by blue-black seed pods (legumes). Featured Glossary word: Dehisce
The latest baptisias not only have an expanded color palette but a rock-solid garden performance. Read on to learn why to grow baptisia.
Baptisia australis var minor DWARF BLUE INDIGO Baptisia australis var. minor gives spectacular, glowing colour, but on a more compact and shorter bush than it’s taller relatives. And even better – the Dwarf Blue Indigo has even larger flowers, but on a smaller bush. Intensely rich, deep, vivid blue pea blooms Otherwise Baptisia australis var. […]
48 - 54 Inches 36 - 48 Inches 36 - 48 Inches 1.2m - 1.4m 91cm - 1.2m 91cm - 1.2m Features Enjoy this perennial year after year. Soft pink flowers appears atop the compact clump of deep blue-green foliage in spring. The flowers lighten to lavender with age. Smaller size; well-suited to urban landscapes. Fall Interest Deadheading Not Necessary Drought Tolerant Salt Tolerant Attracts: Bees Butterflies Resists: Deer Native to North America Characteristics Plant Type: Perennial Height Category: Medium Garden Height: 48 - 54 Inches 1.2m - 1.4m Spacing: 36 - 48 Inches 91cm - 1.2m Spread: 36 - 48 Inches 91cm - 1.2m Flower Colors: Pink Foliage Colors: Blue Foliage Shade: Blue Habit: Upright Container Role: Thriller Plant Needs Light Requirement: Part Sun to Sun The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours). Maintenance Category: Easy Bloom Time: Early Summer Bloom Time: Late Spring Hardiness Zones: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b Water Category: Average Soil Fertility Requirement: Average Soil Soil Fertility Requirement: Poor Soil Soil PH Category: Acidic Soil Soil PH Category: Neutral Soil Uses: Border Plant Uses: Cut Flower Uses: Dried Flower Uses: Landscape Uses: Specimen or Focal Point Uses Notes: Compact habit, ideal for small spaces. Maintenance Notes: Grows best in full sun and average to poor, well-drained soil. Moderately drought tolerant once established. Very long-lived perennial. Decadence® Deluxe 'Pink Truffles' Baptisia hybrid USPP 26,588, Can 5,333 Professional Growing Information
Extremely robust and vigorous, Baptisia x variicolor 'Twilite' (False Indigo) is an upright perennial bearing spikes of pea-shaped, violet-purple flowers highlighted by lemon-yellow keels. Resembling Lupines, they are borne in erect racemes that extend gracefully beyond the foliage and create a lovely floral display in late spring to early summer. Unusually quick to mature for a Baptisia, three-year-old plants produce upward of 100 flowering racemes. When the flowers fade away, the lovely blue-green foliage, which forms a beautiful broad, rounded shrub, remains neat all season and creates a lovely backdrop for the other perennials in the garden. If left untrimmed, the plant forms interesting seedpods turning charcoal-black in the fall and persisting into winter. Bred at the Chicago Botanic Garden, this hybrid Baptisia is vigorous, tough, long-lived and enjoys a long season of interest.
Learn about growing baptisia, also known as false wild indigo, a tough native perennial that blooms in spring.
Baptisia is an easy to grow native plant that will provide you with multiple seasons of interest. Its lovely pea-like flowers appear in the spring followed in the summer by its interesting seedpods that rattle in the breeze.
Most gardeners are familiar with classic perennials such as daylilies, peonies, hostas, and iris, but there's a whole host of less-known perennials that also can add color and interest to your garden. They may be a little harder to find at your garden center or online, but these gorgeous perennials are all worth the effort.
Find Decadence Pink Truffles False Indigo (Baptisia 'Pink Truffles') in Bourbonnais Tinley Park Orland Park Homer Glen Illinois IL at Woldhuis Farms Sunrise Greenhouses (False Indigo)
Best blue plants for the garden adds drama to any garden. If you would like to add a little daring color to your garden, consider these.
Very floriferous, Baptisia 'Dark Chocolate' (False Indigo) is an upright, densely branched perennial bearing long spikes of pea-shaped, nearly black, charcoal purple flowers in late spring to early summer. When the flowers fade away, the blue-green foliage, which forms a bushy, spreading mound, remains neat all season and creates a lovely backdrop for the other perennials in the garden. If left untrimmed, the plant forms interesting seedpods turning charcoal-black in the fall and persisting into winter.
BAPTISIA australis - Blue False Indigo at Klyn Nurseries, Inc. growth habit, growing conditions, bloom & foliage color, and zone hardiness.
