Species Cream Wild Indigo
light-yellow flowers with green leaves and green stems

Cream Wild Indigo

Baptisia leucophaea

Cream Wild Indigo (Baptisia leucophaea) is a striking spring-blooming wildflower of the prairie found across the Great Plains of North America. Growing up to a height of 1 meter, it has woody stems with clusters of fragrant yellow or white flowers. Its grey-green leaves are alternating and composed of a number of leaflets that terminate in a point. The wild indigo prefers a dry location and needs full sun exposure to flower. It's a short-lived perennial, so make sure to properly manage it in order to maximize its lifespan. This species of wildflower is drought-tolerant and provides food for pollinators and is a great choice for anyone looking to create an eye-catching display in the garden.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Root Division,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun

Fruits:

brown Fruits Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Cream Wild Indigo (Baptisia leucophaea) should be watered once or twice a week depending on the season and soil type. During the warmer months, when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant should be watered about every 3 days. The soil should be damp, but not waterlogged. During the winter months, reduce watering to 1-2 times a month. In more arid climates, it is wise to provide the plant with a deep weekly watering, so that the roots have access to moisture. The plant also benefits from a layer of mulch to help retain moisture.

sunlight

Cream Wild Indigo (Baptisia leucophaea) prefers full sun and can tolerate partial shade. This plant species appreciates 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight per day. When growing in partial shade, the plant should receive at least 4 hours of direct sunlight daily. It is best to provide this plant with morning sunlight and some shade during the hottest part of the day.

pruning

Cream Wild Indigo (Baptisia leucophaea) is an herbaceous perennial that can reach heights of up to 3 feet. Pruning is generally best done in the late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. All dead, diseased, broken, or otherwise unhealthy canes should be removed at this time. Prune to maintain the plants desired shape and size; remove stems back to the ground to rejuvenate the plant. All cuts should be made to the lateral buds or branches and no more than 1/3 of the shoots should be removed. Pruning early in the season will also help the plant focus its energy on new growth instead of producing seedpods.

Season

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

Harvesting of the fruits from the species Baptisia leucophaea, also known as Cream Wild Indigo, typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of the fruits from the species Baptisia leucophaea, also known as Cream Wild Indigo, typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.