Overview

Indigofera anil is a spreading branched, bushy shrubs in the genus Indigofera, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Indigofera anil 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 suffruticosa, commonly known as Guatemalan indigo, small-leaved indigo, West Indian indigo, wild indigo, and anil, is a flowering plant in the pea family, Fabaceae.

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 anil 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 anil

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 anil?

Indigofera anil prefers full sun. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.

What soil does Indigofera anil need?

Indigofera anil 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 anil hardy in the UK?

Indigofera anil 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 anil?

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.

More in the Indigofera genus

Browse all Indigofera