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False Indigo, White

Baptisia alba

$17.00

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 4-9

Baptisia alba, or White Wild Indigo, is a striking native perennial known for its tall spires of white, pea-like flowers and deep blue-green foliage. Native to the eastern and central U.S., it has a rich history as a dye plant, used by Native American tribes and early settlers as a substitute for true indigo. Its name, derived from the Greek "bapto" (to dip), reflects this historic role.

Beyond its beauty, Baptisia alba enriches soil by fixing nitrogen and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, this long-lived plant is perfect for gardens or naturalized landscapes. By planting Baptisia alba, you’re cultivating a piece of American history and supporting local ecosystems with year-round garden interest.

Photo courtesy of David Brenda

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

PLANT DETAILS

Hardiness Zones: 4 - 9

Soil: Well-drained

Sun: Full Sun and Part Shade

Seasonal Behavior: Deciduous

Growth Rate: Moderate

Height at Maturity: 24 - 36 Inches

Spread at Maturity: 16 - 36 Inches

Baptisia alba produces striking white flowers in late spring to early summer. The flowers are pea-like in shape, typical of plants in the legume family. They are arranged in tall, upright racemes, which can reach 12-24 inches long, emerging above the blue-green foliage. Each flower is about 1 inch in diameter, with five delicate petals, and is reminiscent of sweet pea blossoms. The racemes give the plant an elegant, spire-like appearance when in bloom.

The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, due to their rich nectar. As the flowers fade, they give way to decorative, dark, inflated seed pods, which remain attractive into the fall and winter. These seed pods turn black as they mature and add an ornamental quality to the plant, often making a soft rattling sound in the breeze.

Overall, Baptisia alba adds both floral beauty and architectural interest to the garden, making it a standout plant in perennial borders, wildflower meadows, or naturalized areas.

white pea like flowers, late spring

Sunlight: Baptisia alba (White Wild Indigo) prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It blooms more abundantly and maintains a more upright form in full sunlight.

Soil: It thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. While it tolerates a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, it does not perform well in poorly drained or wet soils.

Watering: Once established, Baptisia alba is highly drought-tolerant and rarely needs supplemental watering. During the first growing season, water regularly to help the roots establish.

Fertilization: No fertilization is necessary, as Baptisia is a nitrogen-fixing plant that enriches the soil. In fact, over-fertilization may lead to weak growth and floppy stems.

Pruning: Pruning is minimal with Baptisia alba. After flowering, you can deadhead the plant if you do not wish to see the seed pods, though these are often considered ornamental. In late fall or early winter, cut back the stems to the ground as the plant dies back.

Propagation: Baptisia alba can be propagated by seed, though the seeds have a hard coating and may take several years to germinate. Scarification and cold stratification improve germination rates. Division is not recommended, as the plant develops a deep taproot and resents being disturbed.

Pests and Diseases: It is generally pest and disease-free, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. Occasionally, plants may suffer from root rot in poorly drained soils.

Winter Care: Baptisia alba is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and requires no special care to survive the winter. Simply cut back the dead stems once frost arrives.

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