Blue Wild Indigo
Baptisia australis
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
When Woodlanders began in 1980, this was about the only Baptisia known to gardeners; we went on to introduce many of the species that have since become popular garden perennials. Baptisia australis, blue wild indigo, is a long-lived native, essentially a prairie plant of open glades on limestone soil, with handsome olive-green compound leaves topped in spring by spikes of bright indigo-blue, pea-like flowers.
Named the Perennial Plant of the Year in 2010, blue wild indigo is as tough as a perennial comes: nitrogen-fixing, drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and long-lived, growing a deep taproot that lets the plant shrug off heat and dry spells. The black seed pods that follow the flowers rattle into fall and add a second season of interest. Native to the eastern and midwestern United States.
Plant blue wild indigo in a sunny, well-drained spot, in a border, a prairie or meadow planting, or a native garden, where the blue spring spires read against fresh green and the bold, shrubby clump holds its shape all season. Site once and leave undisturbed, since the deep root resents moving. Lovely with peonies, amsonia, and early grasses.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 3–9
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained
- Mature size
- Height 24–30 Inches · Spread 18–24 Inches
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Dies back
Indigo-blue pea-flowers in upright racemes, spring
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.