Baptisia australis
Perennial

USDA Zones: 3 - 9
Light: sun - partial shade; full sun Zones 3 to 6 and Pacific Northwest; partial shade elsewhere
Height:  2 to 6 feet
Width:  2 to 4 feet
Flower Colors: rich blue and white
Bloom Time: late spring
Special Features:
Attracts Butterflies
CutFlowers
Deer Resistant
Drying
Flowers
Tolerates Drought
US Native/Wildflower
Companion Plants:
Iris and peonies

Producing wonderful deep-blue spires of flowers as tall as 6 feet atop shrubby, light green foliage, false indigo makes a great back-of-the-border plant. The flowers, which attract butterflies, are good for cutting and dry into interesting black seedpods that rattle when shaken. The seedpods also can be used in arrangements. This plant likes rich, moist soil but is tolerant of a wide variety of conditions, including drought.

Notable Varieties
A white species, Baptisia alba, is available and it grows just 2 or 3 feet tall.

Care
If possible, provide rich, well-drained soil and ample moisture, but this adaptable plant will tolerate drought and other less desirable conditions. May need light staking. Deadhead for the first three or so weeks of blooms to encourage continuing flower production but then stop so seedheads can form.

Planting
Plant established plants in spring in all zones or also in fall in Zones 7 to 9. Work plenty of compost into the soil and space 3 feet apart.