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Baptisia alba

Also Known As

Baptisia albescens
Baptisia leucantha
White False Indigo
White Wild Indigo

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 3'-5'
W: 2'-4'

planting zones

3a-9b

More Options

Baptisia alba plant details

Baptisia alba is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Attracts bees, beneficial insects and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, clay, gritty, lean, rich, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Baptisia alba

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 4 FT - wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, cutting garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Baptisia alba

USDA Zones: 3a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: acidic, average, clay, gritty, lean, rich, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

From the sunny prairies and margins of woods in the upper Mid-West, this wildflower (to 3') combines blue-green foliage with 1-2' pendulous clusters of white flowers much of the summer. S/M-D/GDr/deadhead for more flowers

By: Forestfarm

A slow to establish but beautiful plant with white lupine like flowers on slightly arching darkly pigmented stems. 3' in sun or pt. shade.

By: Avant Gardens

12-18" long sturdy spikes of white pea-like blossoms contrast with the purplish black stems and are born in spring above the newly unfurling bluish green foliage on tall 3-4' stems. Baptisia are durable pest and disease resistant native tap-rooted perennials and could be considered the Lupine for the south. An excellent addition to the perennial border or cut-flower garden that is drought tolerant, deer resistant, durable, and easy. Baptisia get better with age, producing more and more spikes of flowers successively each year that they are allowed to share our gardens. Plant them where you intend to leave them as they typically do not like to be disturbed once established.

By: Almost Eden

Garden photo gallery of Baptisia alba

Photo of Baptisia alba flower, foliage, form by Blue Canoe

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By: Blue Canoe

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Gardening facts about Baptisia alba plant

How to Grow Baptisia alba

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- regular - drought tolerant
Soil Needs
- clay
- acidic
- adaptable
- average
- lean
- well-drained
- rich
- rocky
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant