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Baptisia australis (bap-tease' ee-ah aus-tral' iss), more
commonly known as False Blue Indigo, is an excellent plant for the
hot dry areas here in the Midwest. One of my favorite garden plants,
I am surprised how little it is grown in my area and how difficult
it is to find in local garden centers. My two-year-old plant sports
very showy, large (one-inch) dark blue or violet lupine-like flowers
on erect spikes, May through June. These flowers form seedpods that,
when dried, become interesting dark seedpods that are excellent for
flower arrangements. The best feature of the plant is the lovely
foliage of bluish, clover-like leaves up to three inches long. The
summer is very dry in my area, and yet this plant retains its beauty
and never seems to suffer. A good watering once a week is all it
needs. False Indigo is happy in average to moist soil and full sun
to partial shade, although mine does fine in clay soil and full sun.
The plant grows two to four feet tall and is recommended for Zones 3
through 8. I have not experienced any problems with pests, although
I have heard that voles can be a problem. One piece of advice I
would offer: False Indigo is very deeply rooted and does not take
transplanting well. Be sure to place this plant in a location where
it can grow happily undisturbed for years. When propagating, you can
sow the seeds or divide; however, be prepared to nurse your division
until it is established. Then just sit back and enjoy!
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Mary, October 1999 |
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