False Indigo
Baptisia australis
False Indigo (Baptisia australis) is a perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 36–48 in tall and 24–36 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Shrub-sized perennial; lupine-like spikes; deep taproot makes it very drought tolerant once established.
On the CSU listlow to medium water36–48 in tall and 24–36 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Baptisia australis
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 36–48 in tall and 24–36 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~25–36 in apart
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Bloom color
- blue, purple
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is False Indigo good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, False Indigo is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does False Indigo get?
- It matures to about 36–48 in tall and 24–36 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant False Indigo?
- Space False Indigo about 25 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 36 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is False Indigo hardy on the Front Range?
- False Indigo is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does False Indigo need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is False Indigo native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is False Indigo deer-resistant?
- False Indigo is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- How long does False Indigo bloom?
- False Indigo blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
