Baptisia australis var. minor (False Indigo)

Tough and durable, Baptisia australis var. minor (False Indigo) is a compact, upright perennial with a long season of interest. In spring, this native to the North American prairies bears spikes of pea-shaped indigo blue flowers, resembling Lupines. They last for about three weeks and attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. When the flowers fade away, the lovely blue-green, trifoliate leaves which form a beautiful vase-shaped shrub, remain neat and form a lovely backdrop for the other perennials in the garden. If left untrimmed, the plant forms very decorative seedpods that turn deep black in the fall and persist into winter, adding incredible winter interest to the landscape. They are also valued in dried flower arrangements. Baptisia australis var. minor differs from the species, Baptisia Australis, by being more compact but with larger flowers.

• Winner of the GreatPlants award, which is a joint effort between the Nebraska Nursery, Landscape Association, and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.
• Blooming in late spring to early summer, it is an extremely valuable addition to the garden and its seedpods help create lovely winter decorations.
• Spreads by underground rhizomes and typically grows up to 18-24 in. tall and wide (45-60 cm).
• Its requirements are fairly simple: Full sun in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soils, including poor soils, dry soils, or clay soils. Do not disturb once established as it develops a deep taproot that is easily damaged if you try to transplant it. Drought tolerant too!
• Baptisia is rarely bothered by deer as they consider it unpalatable and is rabbit resistant
• Attracts scores of butterflies and hummingbirds
• Not susceptible to pest damage or disease
• Looks stunning in beds and borders, cottage gardens, prairies or meadows, and native plant gardens. Great as a specimen plant or in small groups. Perfect for small gardens!
• Propagate by seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as the seed is ripe or propagate by division in early spring.
• Trimming foliage after bloom helps maintain a rounded plant appearance, but you will miss out on the attractive seed pods which are great to use in dried flower arrangements.
• Native to the United States.