Baptisia australis
false indigo
Upright spikes of mauve to dark indigo-blue, pea-like flowers in June, often flecked white or cream. False indigo is an award winning, Chelsea favourite, perfect for a well-drained border or a dry, sunny bank.
Avoid cutting the plant back Baptisia australis in autumn, as the slender stems and decorative seed pods add striking winter interest, especially when touched by frost.
Avoid cutting the plant back Baptisia australis in autumn, as the slender stems and decorative seed pods add striking winter interest, especially when touched by frost.
How to care for Baptisia australis:
Plant Baptisia in a sunny, well-drained spot where it can stay undisturbed, as it develops a deep tap root that improves drought tolerance but makes transplanting difficult.
While it's frost hardy, younger plants benefit from protection in colder areas—apply a thick mulch of well-rotted organic matter in late autumn and use fleece during hard frosts.
These perennials prefer poor to moderately fertile soil and dislike being heavily fertilised or waterlogged. Lift and divide large clumps only in early spring if absolutely necessary.
While it's frost hardy, younger plants benefit from protection in colder areas—apply a thick mulch of well-rotted organic matter in late autumn and use fleece during hard frosts.
These perennials prefer poor to moderately fertile soil and dislike being heavily fertilised or waterlogged. Lift and divide large clumps only in early spring if absolutely necessary.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.9m
Eventual spread:
0.8m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
9cm pot
£10.99
available to order from spring
Unavailable
3 × 9cm pots
£26.99
£9.00 each
available to order from spring
Unavailable
6 × 9cm pots
£42.99
£7.17 each
available to order from spring
Unavailable
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