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Herbaceous Perennial

Baptisia alba var. macrophylla

largeleaf wild indigo

A bushy, non-spreading herbaceous perennial to 2m, with upright stems of blue-green foliage with three-parted leaves. Tall spikes of white flowers appear from June to July, followed by black seed pods

Other common names
white false indigo
Synonyms
Baptisia leucantha 'Alba'
Baptisia lactea
see moreBaptisia leucantha

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Blue
Summer White Green Blue
Autumn Green Blue
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Baptisia are perennials with branched stems bearing three-parted leaves and terminal or axillary racemes of pea flowers, followed by conspicuous inflated pods

Name status

Correct

Plant range
E North America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well drained humus rich soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe or propagate by division in early spring.

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut down once foliage has blackened with frost

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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