Overview

Indigofera gerardiana is a shrub in the genus Indigofera, part of the Fabaceae family. Indigofera gerardiana grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and hedging. It is native to Himalayas.

About

Indigofera gerardiana is a deciduous legume valued for its upright racemes of purple, pea-like flowers produced in summer. It forms pinnate leaves with numerous grey-green oval leaflets and typically reaches around 2–3 m in height and spread. Flowering in the UK runs from June to September. Plants can die back in colder sites but will regrow from the base the following season.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Indigofera heterantha

About the genus

Indigofera is a large genus of over 750 species of flowering plants belonging to the pea family Fabaceae. They are widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

Wikipedia contributors, "Indigofera", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Indigofera

In the garden

Indigofera gerardiana (Himalayan Indigo) originates from the north‑west Himalayas and belongs to the same genus historically used for indigo dye. In cultivation it presents as a multi-stemmed, flowering shrub with pinnate grey-green leaves and summer racemes of purple, pea-shaped flowers that appear from June to September. The species has been recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society with an Award of Garden Merit. Sit plants in a sunny, sheltered spot with good drainage; they perform best where they receive strong light through the day. Indigofera gerardiana tolerates periods of dryness once established and will withstand temperatures down to about −15 °C, placing it in the H5 (hardy) category for UK gardens. In colder microclimates the above-ground growth may be killed back to the ground over winter, with fresh shoots emerging the next spring. Use Himalayan indigo towards the middle or rear of a sunny mixed border, on a warm gravel bed or as a specimen where its summer racemes can be seen. Lightly prune to shape after flowering; in areas where it has died back, cut cleanly to ground level in late winter to encourage vigorous basal regrowth the following season.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Indigofera

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained

Soil pH

neutral, alkaline

Soil moisture

moderate

Exposure

sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Indigofera gerardiana size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

shrub

Suggested uses

borders, hedging

Native to

Himalayas

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Indigofera gerardiana

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded position. May die back in cold winters but regrows from the base.

Pruning

Cut back hard in early spring to encourage fresh growth.

Propagation

Seed, semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Frequently asked questions