Blue False Indigo
This plant was once used by Native Americans as an inferior source of blue dye, hence the name blue false indgo.
Plant Description
This plant was once used by Native Americans as an inferior source of blue dye, hence the name blue false indgo. The plant produces purple flowers that bloom from spikes that grow up to twelve inches tall. These flower spikes grow from a clover-like foliage mound. Springtime blooms give way to seedpods that turn black when ripe.
Light Needs:
Partial shade to full sun
Watering Needs:
Water regularly, weekly or more often in extreme heat
Average Landscape Size:
Growth Height: 3’-4’
Growth Width: 3’-4’
Key Feature:
The seed pods of the Blue False Indigo were once used by children as rattles. Now these seed pods are used in floral arrangements.
Blooms:
May-June
Landscape Uses:
An excellent choice for borders, cottage gardens, prairies, meadows and native plant gardens
Plant Type:
Perennial
Evergreen/Deciduous:
Deciduous
Foliage Colour:
Bluish-green
Flower Colour:
Purple
Blooms:
May-June
Climate Zones:
3-9
Average Size:
3-4’H X 3-4’W
Growth Rate:
Slow
Instructions:
Blue False Indigo is easy to grown in dry to medium well-drained soil. The plant can tolerate a variety of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. It is also tolerant of drought and poor quality soil. These plants should not be disturbed once they are established, as they will expand into large clumps with deep root systems.
Water:Water regularly, weekly or more often in extreme heat
Sunlight:Partial shade to full sun
Special Uses
" Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. "
Albert Einstein
