Here is another native American genus that, like the Echinaceas, is being rediscovered and also improved by the introduction of new hybrids. These are all tough, undemanding plants that once established will thrive in even less than ideal conditions. The new hybrids from the North Carolina Botanical Garden add new colors and extended bloom times.

It takes a few years, but a well grown specimen of Baptisia australis is a very impressive sight. The blue-green foliage has a strong upright habit and a graceful vase-like shape crowned by dark blue, Lupine-like flowers in mid to late spring. These are natives of very easy culture, preferring slightly acid, dry soil in sun or light shade.

"The usual species, when Baptisia is seen at all in gardens, is B. australis, aptly named Indigo Plant, its flowers being dark, rich blue. Even this is far too seldom grown, it being a beautiful plant, both for its handsome branching spikes of blue, pea-shaped, lupin-like flowers, and for its beautiful spread of large trifoliate leaves." A.J. MacSelf

22200 Baptisia australis    Add to Cart  
Sun-Part Shade / 3-4' / Zone3-9 / Spring Bloom / Quart Pots / $8.95 ea.