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Key characteristics

Family: Fabaceae
Height: 36 to 48 inches
Width: 36 to 48 inches
Flower color: Indigo-blue
Foliage color: Blue-green
Bloom time: April to May
Light: Full sun; tolerates light shade
Water: Drought-tolerant once established
Maintenance: Low; prune after flowering if seed pods are not desired
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 9
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies; deer and rabbit resistant

Perennials

Baptisia Australis

Blue False Indigo

Baptisia australis, commonly known as blue false indigo, is a perennial native to central and eastern North America. It blooms from late spring to early summer, producing tall spires of deep blue to violet pea-like flowers that add bold color to the garden. As the blooms fade, they give way to dark, inflated seed pods that rattle in the wind, adding late-season interest.

Baptisia australis forms a dense, shrub-like habit over time, with foliage that emerges a soft blue-green and matures to a dusky green, creating an elegant backdrop for its vivid blooms.

Light

Full sun; tolerates light shade

Water

Drought-tolerant once established

Bloom time

April to May

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Sun Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Waterwise Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Peonies · Coneflowers · Salvias · Shasta daisies · Asters · Catmint

Design tip

Foliage and form do most of the work here, so lean on texture and repetition rather than one flowering moment. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.