Starlite Prairieblues False Indigo

Starlite Prairieblues is a long-lived false indigo hybrid with lavender-blue to periwinkle petals and pale yellow keels. Its spring flowers open early among blue-green foliage, and the initially vase-shaped plant broadens into a rounded, shrub-like form as it matures. ## Garden Use Use this substantial perennial in a sunny border, prairie-style planting, or as a flowering focal point where its mature width has room. The Chicago Botanic Garden’s introduction describes the selection as a controlled cross of Baptisia australis and B. bracteata; its botanical identity is Baptisia ×bicolor ‘Starlite’, marketed in the Prairieblues series. The cultivar patent identifies the same hybrid and cultivar name ([patent](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP19971P2/en)). ## Seasonal Interest and Siting In northern Illinois, the breeder reports flowers beginning in mid-May, with the main flush in late May and continuation into June. Patent observations describe roughly three weeks of bloom in early to late May there, so timing shifts with climate. Plant in full sun and well-drained to medium-moist soil; the patent notes tolerance of lean soil and drought. ## Mature Size The patent reports plants around 90 cm tall and 1.5 m wide at four years, reaching about 100 cm tall at eight years. The plant’s dimensions and hardiness can vary by growing conditions; the Chicago introduction gives USDA zones 4–9, while the patent reports 4–8. ## Maintenance Allow the plant to establish before judging its mature outline, and leave room for its broadening form. Use the breeder’s regional flowering and hardiness observations as guides rather than fixed dates or guarantees.