Species blue false indigo
Purple flowers arranged on green stems and green leaves with green buds.

blue false indigo

Baptisia australis

Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) is an amazing native perennial plant with blueish-purple blooms appearing in early summer. This species has long been used as a colorful addition to flower beds, and works great as a specimen or focal group in landscaping. It not only provides a striking blue hue to the garden, but also thrives in a variety of soils, tolerates drought and deer, and attracts an abundance of pollinators. Even better, Blue False Indigo is deer resistant and can even self-seed. Its versatile adaptability has made it a popular plant choice in many gardens, providing a vibrant, long-lasting beauty.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Indigo blue Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

blue,brown,indigo,black Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Blue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) thrives in well-drained soil and should be watered deeply about once per week. During hot, dry weather, additional water may be needed, but be careful to not overwater, as it does not tolerate heavy or soggy soil well. Water the plant until the surface of the soil is moist but not soaked; for best results, water in the evening so the soil has a chance to absorb the water overnight. If possible, it's best to water the plant from the base, rather than with a spray from above, as this will help prevent fungal diseases from developing.

sunlight

Blue false indigo (Baptisia australis) should receive full sun in order to thrive, at least 6 hours a day, preferably in the morning or early afternoon. It is best to position the plant in an area where it will receive indirect sunlight throughout the remainder of the day, preferably at least 4 more hours to ensure the plant receives enough light for healthy growth. Plant blue false indigo away from shadows created by trees, buildings, and other large objects that could block sunlight.

pruning

Blue false indigo is a slow-growing, woody perennial that should be pruned in late winter or early spring (February or March). Pruning should be kept minimal, focusing primarily on dead or weak growth. Any diseased or damaged growth should also be removed. If more extensive pruning is desired, do no more than 1-third of the plant’s overall growth in a season. Pruning done before new growth appears can reduce flowering.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Baptisia australis typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Blue false indigo typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Blue false indigo typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Baptisia australis typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map