False Blue Indigo

False Blue Indigo does best with average watering, with more frequent watering needed during the hottest months and during blooming. When planting the plant it is best to soak the root ball and the surrounding soil to ensure the plant gets a good start. Once the plant is established, it does best when watered regularly and during times of drought, a longer drink is needed for better performance. For annual beds, water twice a week and for containers once a week.

False Blue Indigo does best in full sun, as they enjoy lots of natural light. Partial sun is also acceptable if necessary, but should be avoided in the hotter months for the best blooms. Over the winter months these plants should have some protection from extreme cold and strong winds, so avoid planting them in overly exposed areas. Plant in partial shade in hotter climates, as too much sun can cause the leaves to wilt.

False Blue Indigo is a hardy plant that does well in cool to hot climates. It thrives in temperatures from 32°F and up to 100°F and prefers consistent temperatures on each bloom flowering cycle. It can even handle temperatures down to 15°F making it a good choice for USDA zones 4-8.

False Blue Indigo does best when humidity levels are somewhat consistent, with somewhat dry summers and slightly higher levels of humidity in the winter months. Too much humidity can cause fungal and bacterial diseases and weaken the overall plant health. This plant can tolerate droughts, but keep humidity levels low to prevent disease.

False Blue Indigo prefers soil with a pH level of 6.0-7.5, with a light, well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter. Loam or sandy soils should be amended with compost or manure before planting. It thrives in moist soil but it does not like it to become soggy. Good drainage is essential for the healthy growth of False Blue Indigo.

False Blue Indigo does not require much in the way of fertilization. In most cases, a light fertilization once in the late spring or summer will provide enough nutrition for the plant. Choose a well-balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10, and apply according to the directions on the label. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent burning the plant.

False Blue Indigo is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but can be affected by slugs and snails, scale insects, and spider mites. To prevent these pests it is best to keep the area weed-free and to keep any dead or dying plant material away from the plot. Spraying a strong stream of water from a hose on the base of the plant can discourage slugs and snails, and a preventative insecticide/fungicide can be used to prevent the multiplication of scale or mites. In cases of infestation, contact your local nursery or agricultural extension office for specific instructions to get rid of the pest.

False Blue Indigo is a very hardy plant and does not require repotting often. Repotting should be done every three to four years, and should be done in the spring when the weather is warmer and the soil has had the chance to thaw completely. Make sure to use a well-draining potting mix for your plant and do not over-pot as this can lead to root rot.

False Blue Indigo should be pruned back in the late winter or early spring to promote strong new growth in the spring and summer. Prune the plant back by one-third to one-half its size. Be sure to prune all dead or diseased branches and stems to ensure the healthy new growth appears. Removing all dead or dying foliage will ensure the health of the plant.

Mulching around False Blue Indigo keeps weeds and grass away from the individual plants, trapping the moisture and heat in the soil to promote healthy root growth. Add a layer of mulch that is at least two inches thick after the soil has been amended with compost or manure. Make sure to add more mulch in the hotter months to protect the plant from extreme temperates.

False Blue Indigo is best propagated by division in the spring months. Take the whole plant out of the soil and split it into small pieces with two or three shoots in each piece. Replant the individual pieces into well-drained soil. Alternatively, seeds can be planted in the fall. Make sure to keep the seeds in the dark for several weeks prior to planting to promote germination.

False Blue Indigo does not require extra support for its stems and leaves, as it typically stands up on its own. If the plants stems or leaves are very weak, they can be staked in the late spring or summer months to help support them.

False Blue Indigo does not need a designated rest period, it typically blooms from late spring until early summer. In the colder winter months, the plant will rest, with the foliage dying back to give the plant a needed break.

False Blue Indigo is not toxic to pets.