Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun. Tolerates drought and poor soils. Over time, plants form slowly expanding clumps with deep and extensive root systems, and should not be disturbed once established. May be grown from seed, but takes several years to establish. Plants take on more of a shrubby appearance and tend to open up after bloom. Trimming or shearing foliage to shape after bloom helps maintain rounded plant appearance, but eliminates the developing seed pods which are so attractive.
This blue false indigo variety (sometimes commonly called lesser false indigo) is an upright Missouri native perennial which occurs in limestone glades and prairies primarily in the unglaciated prairie region of the southwestern quarter of the State. Typically grows 1.5-2' tall (species grows 3-4' tall) and features purple, lupine-like flowers in erect racemes (to 12") atop flower spikes extending well above the foliage to 18-24" tall. Clover-like, trifoliate leaves (leaflets to 1.5" long) are bluish green. Blooms in spring. Flowers give way to inflated seed pods (to 2.5" long) which turn charcoal black when ripe and have considerable ornamental interest. Seeds rattle around in the blackened pods which were once popularly used by children as rattles. Stems with seed pods are valued additions to dried flower arrangements. Var. minor appears to differ from the species primarily by being a smaller plant with shorter stems and shorter leaves but larger flowers. Although the species is not a Missouri native, Steyermark maintains that for all practical purposes var. minor and the species are not significantly different and the Royal Horticultural Society Index of Garden Plants finds synonymity. Common name refers to the use of this plant by early Americans as a substitute, albeit an inferior one, for true indigo (genus Indigofera of the West Indies) in making blue dyes. Var. minor is often sold by nurseries as B. australis 'Minor' or B. minor.
No serious insect or disease problems.
Borders, cottage gardens, prairies, meadows and native plant gardens. Effective in naturalized settings. Best as specimen or in small groups.
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Missouri Botanical Garden
4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63110(314) 577-5100 hours and admission
Butterfly House
Faust Park, 15193 Olive Blvd. Chesterfield, MO 63017(636) 530-0076 hours and admission
Shaw Nature Reserve
Hwy. 100 & I-44 Gray Summit, MO 63039(636) 451-3512 hours and admission