Wild Blue Indigo (Baptisia australis)

Wild Blue Indigo is a beautiful, hardy, long-lived perennial native to parts of eastern and central North America. A member of the legume family, it produces spectacular upright spikes of deep blue to violet-blue, pea-like flowers in late spring and early summer. Growing approximately 90–150 cm tall, it develops into an impressive, bushy plant with attractive blue-green foliage. After flowering, decorative seed pods mature to nearly black, adding interest to the garden into autumn.

An excellent plant for supporting biodiversity, Wild Blue Indigo attracts bumblebees, native bees and butterflies. Its flowers are particularly well suited to large bees capable of opening them to reach their nectar. It also serves as a host plant for several native butterfly species.

As a member of the legume family, Wild Blue Indigo can form a beneficial relationship with soil bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen, helping it thrive in relatively poor soils. Its extensive, deep root system makes it remarkably drought tolerant once established and contributes to soil stability. A mature plant can live for decades with very little maintenance!

Perfect for pollinator gardens, perennial borders, naturalized areas and food forests, Wild Blue Indigo grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is slow to establish during its first few years, but eventually forms a magnificent, resilient plant. Because of its deep roots, it is best planted in a permanent location.

For best germination, gently scarify the hard seed coat with sandpaper or a small nick, avoiding damage to the seed inside. Soak the seeds in water for 12–24 hours, then sow outdoors in autumn or cold-stratify in a moist medium in the refrigerator for approximately 4–6 weeks before spring sowing. Keep the soil moist until germination. Seedlings may take several years to reach flowering size.

At least 25 seeds per packet.