Blue Wild Indigo
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Also known as Blue Wild Indigo, Wild Blue Indigo, Blue False Indigo
Baptisia australis, also known as blue false indigo or wild indigo, is a tall perennial plant found in the eastern United States in rich woods, thickets, and along stream banks. It produces purple, lupine-like flowers in upright clusters on tall spikes above a mound of clover-like, bluish-green leaves. The plant blooms in spring and the flowers are followed by inflated seed pods that turn charcoal black when ripe, adding ornamental interest. The blackened seed pods, once used as rattles by children, are valued for dried flower arrangements.
This plant is easy to grow in average, well-drained soil from full sun to partial shade. It is also drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soils. As it grows, it forms slowly expanding clumps with deep and extensive root systems. Once established, it should not be disturbed. While it can be grown from seed, developing takes several years. The plant tends to take on a shrubby appearance and can open up after blooming. Trimming or shearing the foliage after blooming can help maintain a rounder shape and eliminate the need for staking, though it will also remove the developing seed pods.
Height: 3’-4'
Spread: 3’-4'
Bloom: May-June
Light: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Low, Medium
Zone: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Origin: Texas, Eastern United States
Deer Resistant: No
Winter Shipping: We will continue to ship throughout winter. If you prefer, we are happy to hold your order until spring; please include that request in your shipping notes.
When you order plants from our nursery, you can expect them to arrive in the best possible condition. Our team carefully packs each order using sturdy, biodegradable packaging materials.
Your plants' appearance may vary depending on the season and their current growth stage. We may cut back the leafy growth of some plants to prepare them for shipment and transplanting.
5 Gallon and Up: Any plant purchased to ship over 5 Gallons will be shipped bare root. This means we will remove the plant from its original pot, remove the soil surrounding the roots, and wrap the roots with a biodegradable plastic bag. This reduces weight and the likelihood of damage during shipping.
Once your plants arrive, it is essential to plant them as soon as possible. This will help them rebound and thrive. If you cannot plant immediately, water regularly and keep the roots off heat-conducting surfaces.
Newly transplanted plants often require more water until their roots are well established. Plan to water them 1-3 times weekly for the first few months.
