Unpack bare roots or rhizomes on arrival and plant them within a week. Until then, keep them somewhere cool and ensure the roots remain slightly moist, never wet.
Out of season
Baptisia australis
false indigo
Known as the false indigo plant, Baptisia australis or blue false indigo is a plant that is sure to be a talking point. The blue-green leaves are like that of a tall, bushy pea plant. In early summer plants are topped with tall spires of large, violet-blue pea flowers like those of a large lupin, hence on of its many common names, false lupine. After the blooms fade, plants produce large seed pods, which ripen to a charcoal grey, making an attractive late feature—especially after an autumn or winter frost. The pods make interesting indoor arrangement features too, while the seeds inside rattle around, and are valued as children's rattles.
An herbaceous perennial forming a clump up to 120cm high, Baptisia australis syn. Baptisia confusa grows best in a sunny border, preferably on acidic soil. If your soil is more alkaline, you can make a dramatic display of it in a patio pot. This plant is so highly regarded, The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).
The roots of blue false indigo dislike being disturbed, so, if you want even more plants, you can save the seeds to sow in spring. Common names include bastard lupine, false lupine, golden indigo, indigo weed, and tall false indigo.
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Remove the packaging straight away, check the compost and water thoroughly if dry. Check the plant’s hardiness before placing it outdoors. Plant into a border or permanent container within a month, choosing the position recommended for the variety. Keep the top of the root ball level with the surrounding soil, firm gently and water well.
Soak the roots in water for three to six hours immediately before planting. Keep any crown, buds or emerging shoots above the water where possible.
Pot most bare roots into 15–20cm pots filled with peat-free multipurpose compost. Large or depth-sensitive roots, including peonies, are often best planted directly into borders.
Arrange the roots naturally without bending them. Cover the roots completely, positioning the crown and buds at the depth recommended for that particular perennial.
Keep pots in a sheltered outdoor position and water whenever the compost begins to dry. Grow on until roots hold the compost together when lifted from the pot.
Plant into a suitable border or permanent container once well rooted. Add a label and water regularly throughout the first growing season while the perennial establishes.
- Botanical name
-
Baptisia australis
syn. Baptisia confusa
syn. Baptisia minor
syn. Baptisia caerulea
syn. Baptisia versicolor - Flower colour
- Blue
- Established height
- 1-1.2m
- Established spread
- 50cm-1m
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Fully hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Plant size
- 1
- Plant spacing
- 4 plants per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- Yes
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- RHS Award (AGM)
-
No
Yes - Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Damp
Free draining - Soil type
-
Clay
Loam
Multipurpose compost - Squirrel resistant
- Yes
- Suitable for
-
Borders
Cottage gardens
Cut flower Gardens
Woodland gardens
Wildlife gardens - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade - Toxicity
-
Skin/eyes irritant
Toxic if eaten - Years to establish
- 2-3 years
Good for cutting
Pollinator-friendly
Thrives in full sun
RHS Recommended
Perennial
Fully hardy
Packed peat-free
Attracts wildlife
-20%
Paeonia 'Lemon Chiffon'
Regular price
£52.00
Sale price
£65.00
-20%
Allium azureum
Regular price
£3.12
Sale price
£3.90
-20%
Allium 'Purple Sensation'
Regular price
£3.92
Sale price
£4.90
-20%
Fritillaria meleagris 'Mix'
Regular price
£4.96
Sale price
£6.20
-20%
Tulip 'Queen of Night'
Regular price
£5.52
Sale price
£6.90
-30%
Narcissus 'Double Mixed'
Regular price
£5.25
Sale price
£7.50
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