Indigo Bush
Indigofera heterantha

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Indigofera heterantha is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2.5 m (8ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf from May to November, in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Dry sunny slopes, often forming dense scrub, and in forests 1500 - 3000 metres.

E. Asia - Himalayas from Afghanistan to W. China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The flowers are boiled and pickled.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The branches are used in basket making and in making twig bridges. They are also used as a fuel.

Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.

Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Requires a light or medium well-drained soil and a sunny position. Succeeds on chalk. Succeeds in full sun in most well-drained soils, including dry ones. Tolerates light shade. The rootstock is hardy to about -15°c and plants resprout from the base if they are cut back by winter cold. Plants are cut back to the ground in most winters at Kew though they are all right in the milder areas of the country. They flower on the current years growth and flower more freely if they are pruned to the ground during the winter or early spring. They do not come into new growth until quite late in the spring. A very ornamental plant. Fast-growing when young, but slowing with age. The flowers have a vanilla scent. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.

Propagating it: Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and sow February in a warm greenhouse. The germination can be variable. Prick out the seedlings when large enough to handle and overwinter the young plants in a greenhouse for the first winter, planting out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel if possible, July/August in individual pots in a frame. Good percentage. Overwinter the young plants in a greenhouse for the first winter and plant out in late spring or early summer. Root cuttings 3cm long in December. Good percentage. Suckers. Remove them in the dormant season, preferably towards the end of winter, and plant out into their permanent positions.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

I. dosva. Lindl. non D.Don. I. gerardiana. Baker. I. rubroviolacea.