how do you take care of blue false indigo

The fundamental caring guidelines for every Blue False Indigo can be summed up into the following:

• Water: The Blue False Indigo needs evenly spread moist soil – try to avoid letting the soil dry out.
• Light: Keep your Baptisia Australis in an environment where it can receive partial to full sun on a daily basis.
• Soil: Make sure to keep the Blue False Indigo in soil with well-draining properties; so ideally, one that is made of sand and loam.

Full Answer

Does false indigo need to be cut back?

No pruning is really necessary for false indigo, as all growth renews from the base in spring. You can cut back the plant by one-third to shape it after blooming. Removing the spent flowers (deadheading) is also optional, but then you won't enjoy the interesting seed heads rattling in the fall breeze.

Where should I plant my false indigo?

Light: Plant your false indigo in an area of the garden that receives full sun. It will tolerate partial shade, but too much shade will make it more susceptible to fungal diseases. 3. Soil: False indigo is incredibly resilient and will tolerate poor soil.

Does false indigo spread?

False Indigo Growing Tips and Care Once planted, Baptisia plants don't like to be moved. Their roots can grow up to 12 feet (3.5 meters) deep and a single clump can expand to 3 or 4 feet (1 m.) wide.

When can I cut back my Baptisia?

End-of-Season Care: The lovely foliage of Baptisia turns black with the first hard frost and the plants fall over by January, so cutting back close to the ground in late autumn during general cleanup is beneficial.

How do you winterize false indigo?

For rejuvenation false indigo pruning, cut the plant to within 6 inches (15 cm.) of the ground in late winter to early spring. The plant will quickly grow to surpass its former height. One of the best things about Baptisia is that you really don't even have to meddle with pruning it.

Why does my false indigo not bloom?

The plant does not bloom well in acidic soils, so adding lime in those conditions can improve flowering. Keep well-watered until established, after which time it is drought tolerant. Overwatering may cause the stems to flop over.

Are blue false indigo annuals or perennials?

perennialBlue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) is a large bush-like perennial, with dense clusters of deep blue flowers on long upright spikes. In its first few years this long-lived plant develops mostly below ground. After the first two seasons the blooms are increasingly showy as the plant matures.

How do you take care of an indigo plant?

It prefers fertile, well-drained soil, moderate moisture, and full sun, except in very hot climates, where it appreciates some afternoon shade. A medium shrub, the indigo plant will grow to 2 to 3 feet (61-91.5 cm.) in height and spread. In the summer, it produces attractive pink or purple flowers.

Does false indigo self seed?

False indigo develops deep taproots, so site it in a spot for the long term. It self-seeds modestly, and it's safe to move seedlings when small. Grows up to 4 feet high and wide in Zones 3 to 9.

How do you winterize Baptisia?

Overwintering. There is almost no required winterizing routine for these plants. Many people cut off the stems to ground level as winter approaches, but even this can be omitted if you want to leave the seed pods in place for winter interest.

How do you keep Baptisia blooming?

Baptisia needs at least six hours of direct sun for strong, healthy growth. Plant them in a sunny spot to keep them compact and producing lots of flowers.

Why is my false indigo turning black?

Blue false indigo is a large shrub-like perennial that provides year round interest in the garden. Though mostly pest-free this plant may occasionally develop curled black leaves. The genista broom moth caterpillars are the culprit.

What can I plant in front of Baptisia?

Plants that work well with Baptisia australis ''Shining bluestar (Amsonia illustris)Bluestar, Blue Dogbane (Amsonia tabernaemontana)Willow leaf Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana v. ... Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontani 'Grande')Showy goldenrod (Solidago speciosa)Lanceleaf tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata)More items...

How do you plant indigo?

Soak the seeds overnight in water and then sow your seeds in pots at least 3 inches in diameter, one seed per pot (pots are better than seed trays because indigo does not like to have its roots disturbed). Keep the pots in a heated propagator until the seeds germinate and then move them to warm windowsill.

Can I plant false indigo in the fall?

The pea-like flowers are followed by black seed pods that can be left on the plant for winter interest. With its stately shape, false indigo makes a good architectural statement in the garden even after the flowers have faded....How to Grow and Care for False Indigo.Common NameBlue Wild Indigo, False IndigoToxicityMildly toxic to humans, animals11 more rows•Dec 31, 2021

Are blue false indigo annuals or perennials?

perennialBlue False Indigo (Baptisia australis) is a large bush-like perennial, with dense clusters of deep blue flowers on long upright spikes. In its first few years this long-lived plant develops mostly below ground. After the first two seasons the blooms are increasingly showy as the plant matures.

Cultivation

This plant can be found wild or in gardens throughout the US and Europe.

Propagation

Baptisia is most often propagated from seed, but can also be propagated from cuttings or by division. Seed germination rates are not particularly high, and propagating from cuttings, although requiring more equipment, usually produces more reliable results.

Planting

It is best to space these plants so they have enough room to spread out.

How to Grow

When entering the growth stage, it’s important to ensure that you meet the physical needs of your plant. You’ll want to make sure you have proper light, water, soil, climate, and fertilization to maximize how your flowerbeds will grow. Let’s take a look at what your Baptisia will need in each of these categories to grow properly.

Care & Maintenance

Blue false indigo is a low-maintenance plant and an excellent option for any gardener.

Varieties

A number of varieties in different colors have been developed by horticulturists.

Pests and Diseases

Weevils are one of the very few pests to look out for when you have blue false indigo in your garden.

How to know if blue false indigo needs water?

But, if you want a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution to watering your Blue False Indigo then you should consider the famous ‘finger’ test. To perform this test, you just need to put your finger in the soil of your plant and determine if it’s moist or not. If it is, then don’t water; if it isn’t, then please do. In any case, this test will allow you to know if your Blue False Indigo needs or does not need water, every time.

Why is the blue false indigo so complicated to take care of?

This is mostly because it has a not so straightforward watering schedule and somewhat irregular watering needs.

What is the name of the blue false indigo?

The Blue False Indigo, otherwise known as the Baptisia Australis or False Indigo, Bastard Lupine, Blue False Indigo, False Lupine, Golden Indigo, Indigo Weed, Tall False Indigo, is a well known perennial plant native to the Southeast, Northeast, and the Southwest of the United States.

What temperature zone is Baptisia Australis used in?

With this in mind, the Baptisia Australis will be most used to the heat zones in the 1 – 9 region, and in climate zones that range between 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24.

Where is the blue false indigo native to?

The Blue False Indigo is a plant native to the Central & Eastern U.S.A. This is why the Baptisia Australis is used to growing in specific regions such as the states in Southeast, Northeast, and the Southwest of the United States.

How to keep your baptism australis?

Light: Keep your Baptisia Australis in an environment where it can receive partial to full sun on a daily basis.

What are some good companion plants for blue false indigo?

Blue False Indigo’s do well with some other plants beside it. One good companion plant is the Forsythia, which will pair up nicely with your leafy friend.

How deep does false indigo grow?

Once planted, Baptisia plants don’t like to be moved. Their roots can grow up to 12 feet (3.5 meters) deep and a single clump can expand to 3 or 4 feet (1 m.) wide. When deciding how to plant baptisia for the best effect, remember that some garden plantings of these hardy perennials have been known to last for decades.

What is false indigo?

Also known as false indigo, the flowers were once used by Native Americans and early European settlers as a dye before true indigo became available.

How to propagate baptisma?

When offering advice on how to plant Baptisia, most authorities will recommend seed and this is, in fact, the most common method of propagation, but what they don’t mention is that fresh seed is best and most reliable for germination. If you know someone who already grows false indigo flowers in their garden, don’t hesitate to ask for a few seed pods just as the pods begin to split. Check the seeds for tiny holes – there’s a tiny weevil that attacks the seeds but not the plant – and discard any that are damaged. These seeds can be sown directly, planting them a quarter-inch (0.5 cm.) deep, and will usually germinate in about two weeks.

Is indigo a gem?

For organic gardeners, these plants are gems. Alkaloids produced in the species are toxic to many insects, which leads us to the third of our false indigo growing tips and concerns the occasional caterpillar found crawling along the leaves of this plant. Care should be taken to leave them undisturbed.

Can you cut an indigo plant apart?

You’ll need a saw to cut the plant apart and plant the divisions as quickly as possible. If the roots dry out, they won’t survive. Water well immediately after planting and keep your fingers crossed. False indigo flowers can be a welcome addition to any garden, formal or informal.

How to grow a baptisma?

Rich soil is ideal, but they will tolerate poor soil as well. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. Allow space for the clump to grow up to four feet wide and give it room between other plants to promote air circulation. Small plants may take two years to bloom.

Do baptismias need a pot?

Baptisias would need a very large pot to thrive, because they form a significant taproot, and don’t like transplanting. If you plant in a large-raised bed, or livestock trough, use well-draining soil mix, and pick a location with at least six hours of sun. Water consistently the first year or two. Cut back foliage in the fall.

Can you cut back false indigo?

No pruning is really necessary for false indigo, as all growth renews from the base in spring. You can cut back the plant by one-third to shape it after blooming. Removing the spent flowers (deadheading) is also optional, but then you won’t enjoy the interesting seed heads rattling in the fall breeze.

Where did blue false indigo come from?

Native to eastern North American prairies, meadows, open woods and along streams, blue false indigo got its common name because it was once used as a substitute for true indigo ( Indigofera tinctoria, native to southern Asia) which was used to make blue dye. Other common names include blue wild indigo, indigo weed, rattleweed, ...

How to grow B. australis?

B. australis is easy to grow in the right location. It does best in full sun, although it can tolerate light shade. It does not flower as profusely and may need staking if shaded. It is tolerant of most soils as long as they are well-drained, preferring gravelly, sandy or well-drained loamy soils. The plant does not bloom well in acidic soils, so adding lime in those conditions can improve flowering. Keep well-watered until established, after which time it is drought tolerant. Overwatering may cause the stems to flop over. Because it can fix nitrogen in the soil like most legumes, it does not require much fertilization. Deer do not favor this plant and it has few other pests. Weevils often infest the seed pods, however, making the number of viable seeds very low.

How long does it take for a lupine to bloom?

The color ranges from pale to intense indigo blue, with white cultivars as well. Flowering lasts for just 2-3 weeks.

Why do my lilies flop over?

Overwatering may cause the stems to flop over. Because it can fix nitrogen in the soil like most legumes, it does not require much fertilization. Deer do not favor this plant and it has few other pests. Weevils often infest the seed pods, however, making the number of viable seeds very low.

When do sage pods ripen?

They eventually grow 2-3 inches long, changing from green to charcoal-black when they ripen in late summer or early fall. The mature pods contain numerous, loose tan to dark brown, kidney shaped seeds. Shaking the dry pods produces a sound like a rattlesnake – hence some of the other common names for this plant.

Can you transplant blue false indigo?

Blue false indigo has a deep tap root and extensive root system so is best left undisturbed. It can, however, be transplanted or divided in cool weather if kept well watered until re-established.

Is blue false indigo a perennial?

Because of its large shrub-like size, blue false indigo works well as a backdrop for other perennials. It can also make an arresting specimen individually or in small groups. It is at home in cottage gardens, meadow plantings and among native restorations.

Why do you trim a baptism plant?

Another reason to trim Baptisia is to remove the seed heads. These are actually quite ornamental but the spent flowers and seed heads may pose a visual distraction so they can be snipped off.

Why cut back baptismia?

The third reason for cutting back Baptisia is to force young plants to produce fuller bushes. Light trimming will cause the plant to produce a flush of growth that is closer to the stems.

How to cut a plant at a slight angle?

Use sharp, clean pruning shears and loppers any time you cut plant material. This encourages clean cuts and minimizes the transfer of plant disease. Cut at a slight angle just barely above new bud nodes. The angle should slant downward to force any moisture off the cut surface and away from the woody plant material.

Can you cut back a false indigo?

This is the case regarding false indigo pruning. Cutting back Baptisia is not necessary, but if you like to maintain a perfectly manicured landscape, there are three instances that it might be suitable to prune the plant. Baptisia will die back to the ground in most regions, so clean up pruning in fall is not necessary.

Can I Prune Baptisia?

This is the case regarding false indigo pruning. Cutting back Baptisia is not necessary, but if you like to maintain a perfectly manicured landscape, there are three instances that it might be suitable to prune the plant.

What is blue false indigo?

Blue False Indigo is a native herbaceous perennial plant in the be an family that grows in forests or natural areas in woodland borders. It grows from 3 to 5 feet tall, and with its showy blue flowers it is a spring highlight. Plant it in full sun to part shade but in the shade tends to get leggy and droop over. It forms tall clumps which are especially attractive planted next to wooden fences. The bright, indigo blue flowers are attractive when combined with yellow or white flowering perennials.

Can you prune a flower after it blooms?

If you desire a round appearance, would prefer to not add support to the plant, and do not want the seed pods to develop, then after the flowers bloom (but before the seed pods set), you could prune back the leaves.

How to collect blue indigo seeds?

To collect the seed of wild blue indigo, wait until the seed pods turn black and begin to open on their own, or at least rattle when shaken. At this point remove the pods from their stalks, open them fully and pull the seeds from the pods. The seeds are round and relatively large (compared to many other seeds), so they're easy to handle.

How long to soak a sage in water before sowing?

If you'd rather wait, store it in the refrigerator, and when you're ready to sow it soak it in water for 24 hours first (starting with hot water).

Can you plant false blue indigo?

Answer: Yes, you can collect and sow the seeds of your wild or false blue indigo ( Baptisia australis ), though propagating this beautiful, blue-flowered perennial from seed can take patience. Once established, Baptisia australis is one of the longest-lived perennials around, so your patience will really pay off in the long run. ...