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 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. Long lived, easy to grow, drought and deer tolerant.
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 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. Long lived, easy to grow, drought and deer tolerant.
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 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. Long lived, easy to grow, drought and deer tolerant.
Selections
The plant comes with yellow or sometimes white flowers. We currently carry the more typical blue flowering with a variety called' ‘Caspian Blue’, but are growing out other colors and species. we will soon be offering B. lactea, a smaller species with white flowers and B. pendula which has a more bushy habit. All are native to Eastern North America.