Baptisia australis or Wild indigo, Blue false indigo is native to North America and is typically hardy in zones 3-9 for wild species; 4-9 for cultivated hybrids.
It has a height and spread of 3 to 4 feet tall and wide
Full sun exposure is the ideal environment for Baptisia, though they do tolerate light shade. In too much shade, plants may get lanky and bloom less profusely.
Baptisia's bloom time is late spring to early summer, typically for 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the temperature. In cooler weather, bloom times may be longer.
Baptisia has a slow growth rate. Plants grown from seeds may take 2 or 3 years to bloom and as long as 5 years to reach their full, shrublike appearance.
Flower colors and characteristics. Florets are shaped like pea blossoms and are borne loosely on elegant 12- to 24-inch spires. Wild species, such as B. australis and B. alba, are typically limited to shades of blue, purple, and white. However, newer hybrids, offer more colors, including bright yellow, pink, sapphire, and even bicolors.
Baptisia has some very attractive special attributes, including being deer and rabbit-resistant, and drought-tolerant. Its flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is low maintenance, self-fertilizing. Aside from some aphid concerns it is rarely bothered by insect pests or foliar diseases.
Plant Blue False Indigo at any time during the growing season, although plants will get off to a better start and require less watering if you get them in the ground in early spring or wait until cooler fall weather.
Typically space wild indigo 3 to 4 feet apart, depending on their spread at maturity. Plants may take years to reach their full size, but don’t space them close together as Baptisias form a deep root system, so they are difficult to move once established. Baptisia is not invasive.
Plant in average, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.
Keep soil evenly moist until plants become established. Once they take root, they are very drought-tolerant thanks to their extensive root system.
Baptisias will rarely rebloom if deadheaded, and doing so will prevent the development of the attractive seedpods, however, doing so will save the plant's strength for future growth.
Dividing is not a good idea for Baptisia.
There is no need for fertilizing. Because they are legumes, baptisias supply their own fertilizer through the nitrogen-fixing bacteria on their roots and will even aid nearby plants in this respect.
Baptisias don't normally require staking, but may need some support if they're grown in partial shade. If your plants tend to flop, secure them to a peony ring or other support in early spring.
Cut your plants back to the ground after the first hard frost in fall or before new growth emerges in the spring. The frost-nipped foliage will blacken, but the attractive seed pods add interest to the winter garden.
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