Overview
Baptisia alba is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Baptisia, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Baptisia alba grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, prairie planting, wildlife gardens, low maintenance, cut flowers, banks and slopes and flower borders and beds. It is native to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
About
Baptisia alba, commonly called white wild indigo or white false indigo, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the bean family Fabaceae. It is native in central and eastern North America, and is typically found in open woodland areas and prairies with tall grasslands.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Baptisia alba
About the genus
Baptisia is a genus in the legume family, Fabaceae. They are flowering herbaceous perennial plants with pea-like flowers, followed by pods, which are sometimes inflated. They are native to woodland and grassland in eastern and southern North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Baptisia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Baptisia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Baptisia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Baptisia alba size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance, Cut flowers, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
- Toxicity
- Contains alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Baptisia alba
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; minimal fertilization needed; avoid overwatering
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- Seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe, Division in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Baptisia alba?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; minimal fertilization needed; avoid overwatering.
Where is the best place to plant Baptisia alba?
Baptisia alba prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Baptisia alba need?
Baptisia alba grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Baptisia alba?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
Is Baptisia alba hardy in the UK?
Baptisia alba has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Baptisia alba?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe, Division in early spring.
Is Baptisia alba toxic?
Contains alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested.
