Baptisia (False Indigo)
at Digging Dog

Including Baptisia australis var. minor

Baptisia

False Indigo

Distinguished by their stately postures, these long-lived Legume family members grow wild in the eastern and southern regions of this country. A handsome mass of leaflets grouped in threes and erect, branching stems hosts showy spires adorned with small, sweet-pealike blooms. Later, large brownish black, papery seed pods form, which bring captivating visual accents, and even rattling sounds to arrangements. Easily cultivated in well drained sites, Baptisias tolerate poor, sandy soils and some drought, but resent having their roots disturbed.

Baptisia australis var. minor   

Dwarf Wild Blue Indigo

Softly colored racemes laden with lavender-blue, sweet-pealike flowers sway well above a compact assemblage of rounded blue-green leaves. Displaying a stance and foliage about one half the size of Baptisia australis, this superb variety’s nearly 2 ft. tall blooms are unparalleled. Later, large brownish black, papery seed pods form, which bring captivating visual accents, and even rattling sounds to arrangements.

Blooms mid-April–early May.

Size: 15"–2' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 4.

Baptisia australis var. minor (p-0922)
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Baptisia x bicolor ‘Starlite’   

Twinkling like stars, a sky full of lupine-like periwinkle-blue flowers are set aglow by creamy white bases, known as keels. The deep violet-lavender buds populate numerous 2 ft. tall bicolored spires rising above blue-tinged oval leaflets on gently arching stems. Bred by Dr. Jim Ault from the Chicago Botanical Gardens, this robust australis and bracteata cross is a medium-sized, soft-hued perennial that can be paired with Centaurea 'Purple Heart' for an engaging medley. (ppaf)

Blooms May–June.

Size: 3'–4' high x 3'–4' wide; hardy to zone 4.

Baptisia x bicolor Starlite (P-1438)
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Baptisia x variicolor ‘Twilite’   

Hosting some 100 bicolored flowering stems in just 3 years time, this Dr. Jim Ault cross between australis and spaerocarpa exudes vitality galore. The attractive, bushy blue-green pedestal hoists 32 in. tall spikes studded with umpteen dark coppery purple blooms enhanced by lemon yellow keels. Splendid in bud with bright green calyxes and buttery tips, and later infused with violet as the blossoms age, ‘Twilite’s unique floral hues make a toasty counterpoint to its cool-toned foliage that looks neat all season. (ppaf)

Blooms late May–June

Size: 5' high x 4'–5' wide; hardy to zone 4.

Baptisia x variicolor Twilite (P-1439)
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