This spectacular perennial hybrid has 18-inch-tall spires of buttery yellow flowers in late spring and beautiful blue-green foliage throughout summer. Tough, exceptionally drought tolerant, and extremely long-lived, it’s the southern substitute for the much sought-after lupine. ‘Carolina Moonlight’ has an adaptable, easy-to-grow nature and makes a great companion for other rugged plants such as ornamental grasses.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsButtery yellow flowers and bluish green foliage make this cultivar of our native false indigo a standout. It is very hardy and long-lived.
CareProvide full sun and most any soil. Foliage may be sheared or trimmed back after flowering to avoid the possibility of needing to stake the plant.
PropagationDivide plants in late fall or early spring. This cultivar does not come true from seed.
ProblemsNothing serious.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Baptisia
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
- Zones : 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Moisture : Adaptable
- Tolerance : Drought Tolerant
- Light : Full Sun
- Bloom Time : Late Spring
- Maintenance : Low
- Growth Rate : Moderate
- Plant Type : Perennials
- Characteristics : Showy Seed Heads
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
- Flower Color : Yellow
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.