Description
Species of Indigofera are mostly shrubs, though some are small trees or annual or perennial herbs. Most have pinnate leaves. Racemes of flowers grow in the leaf axils.
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates alkaline soils and some drought. Intolerant of the hot and humid summers of the deep South. Plants may suffer some tip damage or die to the ground in harsh winters but should come back nicely.
It is a dense, suckering shrub or subshrub Features dense, axillary racemes of pink, pea-like flowers which bloom heavily in June and July and sometimes continue intermittently to September. Compound pinnate leaves (each with 7 to 11 rounded leaflets) are bright green.Plant Specifications
| Common Name | Indigo |
| Maximum Reachable Height | 2 to 3 feet |
| Flower Colour | Pinkish White |
| Bloom Time | June to July |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to grow |
Planting and care
Indigofera species care
Prepare a garden bed by mixing sandy, loamy soil mix into the topsoil of the garden. Indigo plants thrives in slightly alkaline soil but can also tolerate neutral or slightly acidic soils. Soil must be well-drained.
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Medium |
| Soil | Well-drained soil |
| Temperature | 70 to 80 degrees F |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Indigofera species special feature
Mixed borders or foundation plantings. Also effective as part of a naturalized planting.
Indigofera species uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for an ornamental purpose
Medicinal Use:
- Unverified information- In Brazil, West Indian Indigo is one of the reputed remedies for snake bites, and in the United States it is often applied to the stings of bees and other insects
- In Mexico, the leaves as a cataplasm or in decoction are applied to the forehead of children with fever and to any painful area
- The seeds in powder form are a cure for ulcers