Product Description
Baptisia 'Indigo Spires' PP26750 (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: False Indigo
This Baptisia greatly impressed us in our trials with its perfect habit and heavy flower production. Unlike some Baptisia which can be tall and leggy, ‘Indigo Spires’ forms a densely branched, fully rounded clump of glaucous green foliage that extends far down the stems, leaving little bare stem showing at the base.
In early summer, 12-15” long spikes of deep violet purple flowers accented by a yellow keel are borne on all sides of the rounded clump, not just at the top, producing a bigger show of color overall. Secondary flower spikes extend the flowering time into midsummer.
This perennial could easily be used in place of a shrub in the landscape where it will be extremely long lived and require little care to thrive year after year.
Baptisia is easy to grow and will thrive with little maintenance. There are many potential applications in the landscape including meadow plantings, as a backdrop in borders, or as a specimen. Plants are very long-lived once established.
Baptisia grows best in full sun, though it tolerates light shade. If grown in too much shade, plants may require staking. Baptisia is easily grown in poor to average soil that is well-drained. Once established, it is moderately drought tolerant because of its tough, deep taproot. This perennial native may take a couple of seasons to become established, but is very long-lived once mature. Avoid disturbing established clumps.
Height: 3.5-4.0 Feet
Spread: 3.5 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Purple-blue shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Poor to Average Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads
Growth Rate: Slow
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Salt Tolerant, Specimen, Focal Point
Baptisia 'Indigo Spires' is a stunning, upright perennial that boasts spires of vibrant indigo-blue flowers, adding a touch of drama and elegance to any garden. This North American native is a fantastic choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, long-lived plant that supports pollinators.
This hybrid Baptisia, a cross between Baptisia australis and Baptisia alba, produces an abundance of flower spikes in late spring to early summer. The deep violet-blue flowers with a yellow keel are a favorite of bumblebees and butterflies, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. After the bloom, attractive seed pods develop, providing visual interest into the fall.
'Indigo Spires' features a bushy, upright habit with attractive blue-green foliage. It typically grows 3-4 feet tall and wide, making it a substantial presence in the landscape. This Baptisia is adaptable and thrives in a variety of conditions, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Vibrant indigo-blue flowers
- Attractive blue-green foliage
- Upright, bushy habit
- Long blooming period
- Attracts pollinators
- Drought tolerant
- Deer resistant
- Low maintenance
Planting and Care:
- Planting: Plant 'Indigo Spires' in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions but prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH. Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for mature growth.
- Watering: Water regularly after planting until established. Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
- Pruning: Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage reblooming. Cut back foliage in late fall or early spring after it has turned brown.
- Dividing: Baptisia 'Indigo Spires' has a deep taproot and does not like to be disturbed. Avoid dividing unless absolutely necessary.
Design Ideas:
- Use 'Indigo Spires' as a vertical accent in mixed borders.
- Plant it in groups for a dramatic display of color.
- Combine it with other native plants for a pollinator-friendly garden.
- Its attractive seed pods can be used in dried flower arrangements.
Baptisia 'Indigo Spires' is a versatile and beautiful plant that will bring years of enjoyment to your garden. Its striking blue flowers, attractive foliage, and low-maintenance nature make it a must-have for any sunny garden.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
