Australis Baptisia Plants produce bushy clumps of long stems topped with foot-long spikes of pea like flowers that are decked out in shades of violet blue. These nectar rich flowers attract butterflies and bees, while the dried seed pods attract wild birds. It is equally attractive for fresh cuttings or dried for more lasting arrangements. Blue false indigo is an excellent choice for sunny garden spots in beds and borders where some structure is needed. Baptisia tolerate poor soils, clay soil and even rocky soil, and they are drought tolerant once established. It is a Perennial Plant Association plant of the year for good reason.
Common Names: baptisia australis, blue false indigo, wild indigo, rattleweed, rattlebush, forse fly weed
Baptisia Companion Plants: Euphorbia, Rudbeckia, Saliva
Australis Baptisia Plant Care Instructions: Keep the plant well-watered for the first 4-5 weeks. After that, only water if the plant starts looking droopy. Leave the spent flowers on the plant throughout the winter as birds enjoy eating the seeds. Cut it back to around 6 inches from the ground in early spring before the new growth starts. This is also a good time to apply fertilizer for the year.
