Overview
Baptisia australis is a plant with a clump forming habit in the genus Baptisia, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Baptisia australis 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.
About
Baptisia australis, commonly known as blue wild indigo or blue false indigo, is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae (legumes). It is a perennial herb native to much of central and eastern North America and is particularly common in the Midwest, but it has also been introduced well beyond its natural range.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Baptisia australis
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.
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 australis size, habit and characteristics
- 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
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Baptisia australis
- 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
Where is the best place to plant Baptisia australis?
Baptisia australis prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Baptisia australis need?
Baptisia australis grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Baptisia australis hardy in the UK?
Baptisia australis 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 australis?
Seed sown in pots in a cold frame as soon as seed is ripe, Division in early spring.
More in the Baptisia genus
- Baptisia alba
- Baptisia australis var. minorBlue Wild Indigo
- Baptisia nuttalliana
- Baptisia sphaerocarpa 'Screamin' Yellow'
