I've heard some great things about the nitrogen fixation and nectary properties of false indigo...I bought seeds but it looks like there are two completely different species. I hear guys like Eric Toensmeier talk more about Amorpha Nana but Baptisia seems more common. Anyone have experience with both of these plants?
I've only grown Baptista so I can't really say anything specific about the Amorphas. From what I can see though the biggest difference is that Baptista is an herbaceous perennial and the Amorpha is a small shrub. I do love my Baptista. I have the traditional blue/purple flowering one and also a yellow flowering one. They are lovely and showy when they bloom and have cool seed pods when they are done blooming. One thing to consider I suppose is that Baptista is a fairly late to emerge plant. This could be a concern if the area is going to get any foot traffic in spring and you don't want to have to worry about where you are stepping. I don't do fall garden cleanup but Baptista seems to be one of those plants that most traces disappear over the winter.
Jocelyn Campbell
steward
Posts: 6601
Location: Everett, WA (Western Washington State / Cascadia / Pacific NW)