Overview
Indigofera gerardiana is a shrubs, small trees, herbaceous perennials, annuals shrub in the genus Indigofera, part of the Fabaceae family, with pinnate leaves foliage. 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 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
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Indigofera gerardiana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Shrubs, small trees, herbaceous perennials, annuals
- Foliage
- Pinnate leaves
- 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
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Indigofera gerardiana?
Prefers well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded position. May die back in cold winters but regrows from the base.
Where is the best place to plant Indigofera gerardiana?
Indigofera gerardiana prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Indigofera gerardiana need?
Indigofera gerardiana grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral and alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Indigofera gerardiana?
Cut back hard in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
Is Indigofera gerardiana hardy in the UK?
Indigofera gerardiana 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 gerardiana?
Seed, semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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