Baptisia versicolor
blue false indigo
An herbaceous perennial forming a clump to 1.2m, with grey-green, trifoliate leaves and erect, lupin-like racemes of violet-blue flowers, followed by inflated, dark grey pods
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green Grey Silver | Grey Silver | |
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | Grey Silver | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ExposedDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical 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 USA
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in open, porous, preferably sandy soil in full sun; drought resistant once roots have penetrated the soil. Best left undisturbed, although vigorous clumps may be carefully divided in spring.
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
- Cottage and informal garden
- Prairie planting
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Banks and slopes
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Cut down once foliage has blackened
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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