Overview
Indigofera is a spreading branched, bushy shrubs in the genus Indigofera, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Indigofera grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, coastal, city and courtyard gardens, low maintenance, banks and slopes, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.
About
Indigofera is a spreading, bushy shrub with deciduous foliage, belonging to a genus that includes trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. It thrives in full sun and is adaptable to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for moist but well-drained or well-drained soils across a range of pH levels. Hardy to UK zone H5, it suits sheltered or exposed sites and can be planted out after the last frost in fertile soil. Indigofera is well-suited to cottage and informal gardens, coastal areas, city courtyards, and flower borders, providing interest into winter.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Indigofera
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered, Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Indigofera size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Spreading branched, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, City and courtyard gardens, Low Maintenance, Banks and slopes, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Indigofera
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Indigofera?
Indigofera prefers full sun. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.
What soil does Indigofera need?
Indigofera is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Indigofera hardy in the UK?
Indigofera has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Indigofera?
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Indigofera genus
- Indigofera articulata
- Indigofera cassioides
- Indigofera frutescens
- Indigofera leucotricha
- Indigofera szechuensis
- Indigofera anilanil
- Indigofera decora f. alba
- Indigofera fortunei