Overview
Indigofera tinctoria is a bushy shrubs in the genus Indigofera, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.5-2.5 metres tall and 1.5-2.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Indigofera tinctoria grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, low maintenance, banks and slopes and wall side borders.
About
Indigofera tinctoria, also called true indigo, is a species of plant from the bean family that was one of the original sources of indigo dye.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Indigofera tinctoria
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
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
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Indigofera tinctoria size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Banks and slopes, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Indigofera tinctoria
- Propagation
- Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Indigofera tinctoria?
Indigofera tinctoria prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Indigofera tinctoria need?
Indigofera tinctoria 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.
How big does Indigofera tinctoria grow?
Indigofera tinctoria reaches a height of 1.5-2.5 metres and a spread of 1.5-2.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Indigofera tinctoria hardy in the UK?
Indigofera tinctoria 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 tinctoria?
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.