Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Perennial

Blue Wild Indigo
Baptisia australis


 
Features
Purple flowers on dark purple stems with blue-green foliage. Shrub-like growth habit. Long lived perennial.  
 
Culture
Moist well-drained soil in sun location. Prefers acidic soils and is drought tolerant once established.  
 
Cultivars

'Purple Smoke' 3-4 feet tall purple flowers

'Solar Flare' 3-4 feet tall yellow flowers

'Twilight Prarieblues' 4 feet tall purple and yellow bicolor flowers

 
 
Mature Height
3-4 Feet
 
Size
Tall
 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 9 
 
Bloom Color
Blue
 
 
Bloom Season
June - June
 
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Pests and Problems

Environmental Damage


Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:

none serious
 
Additional Notes
Slow growing. Reported to be deer and rabbit resistant.

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic