Indigofera tinctoria
black henna
A spreading, deciduous shrub with arching stems up to 2m high and wide, with pinnate, pale green leaves and producing racemes of small wisteria-like pink flowers in summer. This plant is the source of the blue vegetable dye indigo which is present in small quantities in the leaves
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- 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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