INDIGOFERA
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INDIGOFERA
In the family of the indigo-dye plant.
Genus of 700 or more species of evergreen or deciduous trees and shrubs, annuals and herbaceous perennials found mainly in a variety of tropical and sub-tropical regions.
The species tinctoria and sufffruticosa are those from which the well-known dye was extracted. Indigo-dyed fabric found in Peru predates Egyptian-dyed fabrics by 1500 years. Indigo was used in paintings by artists in the Middle Ages. Several species were used as analgesics to relieve pain.
Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes
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Good to know
Syn. 'Claret Cascade'. I. howellii x I. pendula -
Pests & Diseases
None -
Place of origin
Southwestern China -
Resistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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Deciduousleaves to 8cm (3in) long, each composed of 5-9 elliptic-oblong, grey-green leaflets.
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Shades of pink
All shades of pink through to Carmine (red) -
RacemesDense racemes to 22cm (8¾in) long of flowers 1cm (½in), or more, across
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Fully hardy
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Pinnate
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Entire
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Elliptic
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Oblong
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Height
2m (6½ft) -
Spread
2.5m (8ft)
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Medium shrubTypically grow to around 4-6 feet in heightSpreading shrub. Flowers are horizontal at first becoming pendulous
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Pruning group 1
Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.
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Pruning group 4
Suitable for: Deciduous trees and shrubs that flower on current year's growth or are grown for winter stem effect.
Pruning: Hard prune to a low permanent framework.
When: Annually in early Spring.
In areas with hard winters -
Pruning group 8
Suitable for: Wall trained shrubs and less vigorous climbers.
Action: For climbers 'spur prune' by cutting back 3-4 buds of the permanent framework. For wall trained shrubs cut back flowered shoots to within 2-4 buds of permanent framework.
When: Annually after flowers if on previous year's growth, or in late Winter or Spring if on current year's growth.
If wall-trained -
Hardy - cold winter
Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F) -
Summer Seasonal Interest
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Fertile moist well-drained soilModerately fertile
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Against a wall
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Full sun
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Mature Size2m (6½ft)
2.5m (8ft)
View Planting Tips and Care Advice
Indigofera Growing Guide
