How to Grow and Care for Blue wild indigo

Blue wild indigo, also known as Blue false indigo, Rattlebush, Indigo weed, Horsefly weed

Blue wild indigo is a hardy perennial known for its ease of care and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. Key care points include full sun to partial shade exposure and well-drained soil, with drought tolerance once established. Special care should be taken not to overwater, as blue wild indigo is sensitive to wet feet, which can lead to root rot. Pruning is minimal, mostly for aesthetic purposes or to control spread, as blue wild indigo can become quite large if left unchecked.

Watering schedule: Every week

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun

Toxic to Humans

In This Article

Planting and Growing Blue wild indigo

Toughness	High
Care Level	Medium
Care Difficulty	Easy
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every week
Sunlight Requirements	Full sun
Soil Type	Garden Soil
Soil pH	6-7.5
Planting Time	Spring
Hardiness Zones	3-10
Toxicity	Toxic to Humans

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Varieties of Blue wild indigo

Blue wild indigo 'Purple Smoke'

A very old wild indigo hybrid, the blue wild indigo 'Purple Smoke' is a slightly larger but compact variety of its parent. Blue wild indigo 'Purple Smoke' was encountered by chance in the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Its nickname, the 'Purple Smoke', derives from its smoky purple flowers. It is beloved by gardeners for its attraction of pollinators and its resistance to deer and rabbits.

Blue wild indigo 'Vanilla Cream'

Blue wild indigo 'Vanilla Cream' is a compact bush with dark green foliage and pure white flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. It is a cultivar of Baptisia, bred by plant hybridizer Hans Hansen. It is part of his Decadence® series, and named for its white color. Looks stunning in a border or as a focal point next to a water feature.

Blue wild indigo 'Lunar Eclipse'

Blue wild indigo 'Lunar Eclipse''s showy flowers display a glorious gradient of color, starting from a deep purple at their base and transitioning to white at the top. This Baptisia cultivar's name was given after its defining characteristic, vibrant blooms that resemble the colors of the moon when it's in Earth's shadow.

Blue wild indigo 'Twilite'

Blue wild indigo 'Twilite' is a false indigo selected, which in this cultivar are a deep purple contrasted with a splash of golden yellow, a combination that recalls a sunset. It grows to maturity unusually quickly and will be ready to produce flowers in three years. It is vigorous and provides color and interest in the garden for much of the year.

Blue wild indigo 'Dutch Chocolate'

Blue wild indigo 'Dutch Chocolate' is a wild indigo cultivar that was bred from unknown cultivars of Baptisia minor and Baptisia sphaerocarpa. It features pea-shaped flowers that have a unique chocolate-purple color, which is how the cultivar gets its name. Blue wild indigo 'Dutch Chocolate' is part of the Decadence Series and is noted for its compact habit.

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The Toxicity of Blue wild indigo

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More General Info About Blue wild indigo

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Blue wild indigo rises to a stature of approximately 3 to 4 feet (90 to 120 cm) and is notable for its vivid indigo blue blooms, presenting a majestic display in spring. This herbaceous perennial forms robust clumps, displaying an upright habit. Its leaves are typically clover-like, contributing to its dense and bushy appearance. In shadier conditions, it may exhibit a tendency to become more elongated and potentially droop. The flowers of blue wild indigo offer a striking contrast when situated alongside perennials of lighter hues.