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Indigofera heterantha

Himalayan indigo

A medium-sized deciduous shrub, herbaceous in colder areas and then making up to 1.2m annual growth. Leaves pinnate with 13-21 small leaflets. Flowers 12mm, rosy-purple, in racemes to 12cm in length from early summer

Synonyms
Indigofera gerardiana

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Green
Summer Purple Grey Silver Green
Autumn Purple Grey Silver Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Indigofera can be deciduous or evergreen trees or shrubs, herbaceous perennials or annuals with pinnate leaves and spikes or racemes of small, pea-like flowers in summer or autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
NW Himalaya

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Banks and slopes
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 1 or Pruning group 13 if wall trained, but can be hard pruned in spring if needed

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility

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