Cream Wild Indigo is one of the most distinctive native perennials available — the low arching stems sweep outward bearing large creamy-white pea-family flowers in spring, followed by inflated seedpods that persist through summer and rattle when dry. The foliage is stiff and gray-green, holding its structural character long after bloom. Like all baptisias it is very slow to establish but essentially permanent once settled, resenting disturbance of its deep taproot.
Site it carefully: it needs full sun and sharp drainage, and looks best as a specimen or massed in a naturalistic prairie planting alongside coneflowers, phlox, and butterfly weed. Do not move it once established.
Powdery mildew
White or grey powdery coating on leaves — usually starting on older growth in humid conditions or when nights cool.
Improve air circulation by thinning plants. Apply neem oil or potassium bicarbonate spray at first sign. Avoid overhead watering.
Baptisia Leaf Spot
Small dark brown or black spots on leaves, sometimes with yellow halos. Severe cases cause leaves to yellow and drop, mainly in humid late summer.
Remove and discard affected foliage. Avoid overhead watering and space plants for airflow. Clean up fallen debris in fall to reduce overwintering spores.