false indigo

This upright, mounded perennial has true indigo blue, lupine like flower spikes atop clean green foliage from late spring into summer after which black, rattling seed pods form giving this plant additional garden interest in the fall. Use as a sturdy, shrub-like backdrop for Iris, peonies and Asters that are lovely cut and arranged along with Baptisia flowers and seed pods. Voted Perennial Plant of the Year 2010.

Plant in well-drained, nutrient rich to low fertility soil amended with organic matter like Petitti Planting Mix. Water well after planting; maintain 1” of water, once a week the first year. Use Plant-tone and Iron-tone in spring or at planting; apply Osmocote in summer. Deadhead spent flowers for better blooming. Mulch 1-2” to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Divide in early spring or fall when necessary.