BAPTISIA

(Baptis'ia)

DESCRIPTION: These erect growing perennials are found wild usually on damp ground, by streambanks, in the eastern U.S. These plants are commonly known as False Indigo and they are grown for their attractive flowers and foliage. They grow 2 feet or more high with a spread of 2 feet. False Indigo forms clumps of bright blue green leaves, which are divided into 3 oval leaflets and borne on gray-green stems. The small flowers are pea-like, growing in upright, open spikes in early or mid-summer. They may be colored blue, white or yellow.

POTTING: False Indigo will flourish in regular deep, fertile, moist soil that has adequate drainage. Place them in a sunny position.

PROPAGATION: These plants may be lifted and divided in the spring, or seeds may be sown in the fall.

VARIETIES: B. alba (white); B. australis, Blue False Indigo (blue); B. tinctoria (yellow).

Go see DICTIONARY OF BOTANICAL NAMES.

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