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Baptisia australis

false indigo

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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.

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.
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

  • InformationThis perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.

Product options

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RH30003790
3 × 9cm pots
£24.99 £8.33 each
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
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RH30003476
9cm pot
£10.99
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(shipped within 2-3 working days)
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RH30006641
6 × 9cm pots
£42.99 £7.17 each
In stock
(shipped within 2-3 working days)
1
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Standard Delivery£5.99
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