How to Grow False Indigo

False indigo (Baptisia australis) is joy for gardeners. It is hardy, virtually pest and maintenance free and provides interest in the garden all year long. Deep blue to purple lupine-like flowers appear in late spring to early summer on stems of bluish-green three-lobed leaves. The dark, shiny seed pods that follow the flowers last through fall and winter providing interesting color and texture to the winter garden.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• False Indigo
• Shovel
• Water
• Mulch or other organic material

1. Select a planting site. False indigo, or blue false indigo as it is sometimes called, can be successfully grown in any dry, average or medium wet well-drained soil. Planting in a full sun location for best blooming, but it will tolerate partial shade.

2. Prepare the false indigo for planting. Most specimens will be purchased containerized. To remove the plant for planting, gently tap the pot on the ground to loosen the roots. Carefully ease the indigo from the container and inspect the roots. If they appear to be growing in a circular pattern, carefully loosen them so they can spread out in the planting hole.

3. Dig the planting hole to the same depth as the rootball and approximately 2 to 3 times as wide.

4. Place the indigo in the planting hole. Add a small portion of the original soil to the planting hole to secure the plant. Fill the planting hole with water and allow to be absorbed. Backfill the remaining soil and water again thoroughly.

5. Mulch the entire planting area around the indigo to a level of 2 to 4 inches. Mulching helps to retain moisture and prevent weeds.

Tips & Warnings

• False indigo is an herbaceous perennial that can be successfully grown in hardiness zones 3 through 9. Check the USDA Hardiness Zone map to verify the plant's suitability in your area.

• False indigo generally grows 2 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. The plant develops slowly expanding clumps with a deep root system, including a tap root. Division or transplanting is not recommended.

• The deep blue flowers of the false indigo give way to 2 1/2 inch long seed pods which turn from green to charcoal black when ripe. Cut several stems with the pods for dried flower arrangements.

• False indigo has a rounded growth habit and is never invasive. Plant it freely with other plants.

• After blooming, false indigo takes on a shrubby appearance. Resist the urge to prune as it will eliminate the developing seed pods that are a highlight of the plant.