Indigofera species

Fabaceae

Indigo

Many are small shrubs, but some are tall. Pinnate leaves often light green or blue green Spikes of pink, purplish or red flowers, depending on species

Uses

Some species were formerly grown to produce "indigo" dye.

Now mostly cultivated as an ornamental.

Culture

Prefers fertile, moist, but well drained soils preferred. Most are adaptable, but prefer warm, protected conditions.
They generally respond well to plenty of moisture during the warm months. Straggly species generally respond well to regular tip pruning.

Propagation

Leaf chewing insects.

Cultivars

Approximately 750 species, including:

I. australis (Austral indigo)

A straggly shrub to 1.2m, pinnate blue-green leaves. Flowers pinkish to red in spring. This plant is fast growing but short lived. It spreads easily by suckering. Tip prune regularly to keep in shape.

I. gerardiana

A multi-branched shrub to 2m with pinnate leaves and rosy-purple flower racemes.

I. incarnata

Multi-branched shrub to 1m with elliptical leaflets in sets of 3-6 pairs. Mauve to rose flowers in racemes to 20cm long.


Plant Health

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More info

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