Baptisia australis

false indigo

• Position: full sun
• Soil: deep, moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June
• Flower colour: dark indigo-blue
• Other features: the flowers are followed by dark grey seed-pods; mid- to deep green leaves
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Upright spikes of dark indigo-blue, pea-like flowers in June, often flecked white or cream. False indigo is perfect for a well-drained border or a dry, sunny bank. Resist the temptation to cut the plant back in autumn since the seed-pods and slender stems look wonderful frosted in the winter garden.
  
  
• Garden care: Lift and divide large colonies in early spring