Indigo Spires False Indigo

Baptisia ‘Indigo Spires’ is a named hybrid false indigo with a rounded, heavily branched clump of green to blue-green foliage and abundant deep violet-purple flower spikes. Walters Gardens describes primary flowering in early summer with secondary spikes extending the display into midsummer; this is a hybrid selection, not Baptisia australis. ## Landscape use Use the long-lived perennial as a flowering focal point, in a meadow, or as a backdrop in a sunny border. Its vase-shaped habit and vivid flower spikes also suit cut-flower use. Walters Gardens lists a mature height of about 3.5–4 feet, a spread near 3.5 feet, and USDA zones 4–9. Size and flowering can vary with climate and growing conditions. ## Siting and growth Plant in full sun or light part shade and provide well-drained soil. Water during establishment; once established, Baptisia generally needs little supplemental irrigation. Avoid relocating established plants because their deep root systems make transplanting difficult. Green foliage and dark seed pods provide interest after flowering, and the plant can be left standing until late winter. The [Walters Gardens cultivar profile](https://www.waltersgardens.com/variety.php?ID=BAPIS) and [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/349213/baptisia-indigo-spires/details) identify ‘Indigo Spires’ and describe its habit, flowers, and growing conditions. The U.S. plant patent describes the selection as a hybrid and records its cultivar name; its unknown proprietary parents do not support assigning it to B. australis. The [patent record](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP26750P2/en) documents the cultivar designation and botanical classification. ## Maintenance Cut stems to the ground after foliage dies back in winter or before new spring growth. Leave the black seed pods for additional seasonal interest, or remove them with old stems during cleanup. Do not divide or move an established clump routinely.