Babtisia Australis

False blue indigo's spikes of clear blue flowers in late spring can nearly carry a border by themselves. They also make great cut flowers. Large, inflated nearly black seed pods set in after flowering, giving this plant another interesting element. It is low maintenance and will look great in any natural or informal setting.

LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 3 through 9

CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: Water thoroughly.

FERTILIZER: once established it needs little or no supplemental fertilizer, other than an annual application of compost.

FLOWERING: Blooms in the Spring with blue flowers.

SOIL: Baptisia prefers open, porous, well-drained, even sandy, soil.

DISEASE: Seeds can be eaten by weevils. Occassional fungal leaf spots, powdery mildew and rust occur. Overall this plant has few problems.