False Blue Indigo or Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis)

$9.00

An elegant, long-lived native that looks more like a small shrub than a typical flower. In late spring, it produces tall spikes of deep indigo-blue flowers that resemble Lupine, providing a cool contrast to the yellow-heavy palette of the summer garden. It is often called the "Perennial of the Year" for good reason—it is practically indestructible and offers a shrub-like presence without the woody maintenance.

Plant Profile

  • Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade (Best in Full Sun)

  • Water Needs Low to Medium; exceptionally drought-tolerant once established

  • Soil Type Adaptable; thrives in Clay, Loam, Sand, or Rocky soil

  • Mature Height 3 – 4 feet

  • Deer Resistance High

  • Bloom Time May – July

  • Bloom Color Blue

  • Plant Spacing 2 – 3 feet

Plant Characteristics

  • Deep-Rooted Longevity: It features one of the deepest taproots of any native plant, making it nearly impossible to kill once established—but also very difficult to move! Pick its "forever home" carefully.

    • It will spend most of the first couple years developing mostly below ground

  • Shrub-like Structure: While it dies back to the ground in winter, it regrows into a dense, mounded shape with beautiful blue-green, clover-like foliage that stays attractive all summer long.

    • Because of it’s wide form, generous spacing is recommended.

Wildlife Benefits

  • Bees: The "pea-shaped" flowers are specifically designed for heavy-bodied bees, like Bumblebees, who are strong enough to push the petals open to reach the nectar.

  • Butterfly Host: It serves as a vital nursery for several butterfly species, including the Wild Indigo Duskywing and the Frosted Elfin.

An elegant, long-lived native that looks more like a small shrub than a typical flower. In late spring, it produces tall spikes of deep indigo-blue flowers that resemble Lupine, providing a cool contrast to the yellow-heavy palette of the summer garden. It is often called the "Perennial of the Year" for good reason—it is practically indestructible and offers a shrub-like presence without the woody maintenance.

Plant Profile

  • Sun Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade (Best in Full Sun)

  • Water Needs Low to Medium; exceptionally drought-tolerant once established

  • Soil Type Adaptable; thrives in Clay, Loam, Sand, or Rocky soil

  • Mature Height 3 – 4 feet

  • Deer Resistance High

  • Bloom Time May – July

  • Bloom Color Blue

  • Plant Spacing 2 – 3 feet

Plant Characteristics

  • Deep-Rooted Longevity: It features one of the deepest taproots of any native plant, making it nearly impossible to kill once established—but also very difficult to move! Pick its "forever home" carefully.

    • It will spend most of the first couple years developing mostly below ground

  • Shrub-like Structure: While it dies back to the ground in winter, it regrows into a dense, mounded shape with beautiful blue-green, clover-like foliage that stays attractive all summer long.

    • Because of it’s wide form, generous spacing is recommended.

Wildlife Benefits

  • Bees: The "pea-shaped" flowers are specifically designed for heavy-bodied bees, like Bumblebees, who are strong enough to push the petals open to reach the nectar.

  • Butterfly Host: It serves as a vital nursery for several butterfly species, including the Wild Indigo Duskywing and the Frosted Elfin.