Baptisia australis

False Indigo is a gardeners delight. In early summer, and all throughout this perennial produces an abundant display of pea-like blossoms, of the sweetest lilac blue colour.

 The flowers are displayed as racemes on tall stems up to 120 cm that arises from attractive large bluish-green, clover-like foliage. The height means this plant needs staking in windy positions, it can be cut back after flowering to negate this, but you will miss out on the beautiful black seedpods that follow the flowers.  Its appearance means it can be used in your border as a substitute for the upright spike effect that Lupins give. 

 False Indigo, Blue False Indigo or Bastard Indigo are just a few of the names by which this AGM plant is commonly known.  It is called by the name False Indigo as sometimes it was used as a substitute for Indigofera for blue dye.

Suitable for cut flowers and attractive to butterflies, Baptisia australis loves full sun and sandy, or well-drained soil. It will tolerate drought once established.

 Image attribution: Jellito