Baptista (Leguminosae)
There are several species native to North America. B. australis, commonly known as blue false indigo, makes an impressive garden plant. It has trilobed, pea-like leaves and purple, white or yellow flowers that come out early summer on tall stalks, similar to lupines. The flowers usually only last 3 weeks, but the foliage can persist all summer if given a sunny spot so that it doesn’t flop over. Many historical uses by the native people of North America, including a blue dye, hence the common name false indigo. Long lived, easy to grow, drought and deer tolerant.
AVAILABLE THIS YEAR
B. australis ‘Caspian Blue’ - Vigorous selection, very floriferous.
There are several species native to North America. B. australis, commonly known as blue false indigo, makes an impressive garden plant. It has trilobed, pea-like leaves and purple, white or yellow flowers that come out early summer on tall stalks, similar to lupines. The flowers usually only last 3 weeks, but the foliage can persist all summer if given a sunny spot so that it doesn’t flop over. Many historical uses by the native people of North America, including a blue dye, hence the common name false indigo. Long lived, easy to grow, drought and deer tolerant.
AVAILABLE THIS YEAR
B. australis ‘Caspian Blue’ - Vigorous selection, very floriferous.
There are several species native to North America. B. australis, commonly known as blue false indigo, makes an impressive garden plant. It has trilobed, pea-like leaves and purple, white or yellow flowers that come out early summer on tall stalks, similar to lupines. The flowers usually only last 3 weeks, but the foliage can persist all summer if given a sunny spot so that it doesn’t flop over. Many historical uses by the native people of North America, including a blue dye, hence the common name false indigo. Long lived, easy to grow, drought and deer tolerant.
AVAILABLE THIS YEAR
B. australis ‘Caspian Blue’ - Vigorous selection, very floriferous.
Selections
We are also propagating a few other species, but availability is still uncertain. B. lactea is a smaller species with white flowers and B. pendula, also with white flowers, has a more bushy habit. All are native to Eastern North America.