This sturdy species is native to central and eastern North America, most commonly seen in the Midwest in natural prairie-type communities. This and several other species of Baptisia have been grown in gardens for many decades, and are now being used to create a wider range of colours in some interesting garden hybrids.

Blue False Indigo thrives in sunny locations with average to poor soil, so long as drainage is reasonable. It has a reputation for being quite drought-tolerant once established. Plants are not especially quick to reach a mature size but the tradeoff is that they are there for the long haul and will easily continue to provide beauty for ten years or more. They are low-care, with strong stems that usually don’t require staking, and about the only maintenance required is to cut back the dead stems to ground level in early to mid spring before the new growth resumes.

The substantial size of Blue False Indigo lends it to use in the middle to back of a sunny border. Plants require a bit of elbow room but are not invasive or spreading in the least. Spring-flowering bulbs are ideal companions and may be planted right up to the clumps, the emerging Baptisia growth later helping to disguise the fading bulb foliage. These perform best in full-sun locations but will also tolerate some afternoon shade or morning shade. In early summer they produces long spikes of indigo-blue pea-like flowers that resemble Lupines. Seedpods develop after that and by autumn these dry and change into rattling seedheads. Stems are strong and usually remain in place all winter, needing to be cut back to the ground in spring before the new growth resumes.

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 3 to 9 (good survival in Zone 2 has also been reported).
• Mature size: 90 to 120cm tall (3 to 4 feet) and 75 to 90cm wide (30 to 36 inches).
• Light exposure: Full sun preferred, or at least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
• Soil: Average to dry soil, requires good drainage. Not suitable for a constantly wet site.
• Maintenance: the dried tops from the previous year should be pruned back to the ground in early to mid-spring before new growth resumes. Plants form a substantial and somewhat woody root system and may recover slowly from being divided or moved. Seedlings that may appear around the mother plant are easily moved while still small. Plants are strongly clump forming and, while they take up some room, are not at all invasive or spreading.
• Uses: Blue False Indigo is a wonderful addition to a sunny perennial border, and is substantial enough to include in a foundation or shrub planting. Plants may be used as specimens or grouped in larger numbers. Clumps remain attractive for the entire growing season and have good winter interest with their dried seedpods. Ornamental grasses are particularly effective companions, as well as other summer or fall flowering perennials such as Autumn Stonecrop, Coneflowers, Shasta Daisies or Fall Asters.
• Unique Qualities: the blue-green foliage makes a nice backdrop to shorter plants placed in front. The dried seedpods may be cut and used for dried floral arrangements. Flower spikes are attractive to butterflies. Plants are both deer and rabbit resistant. Ideal for native plantings, butterfly gardens, drought-tolerant gardens and low-care public plantings.