How to Grow Indigo Bush
Indigofera heterantha
Indigofera heterantha is a deciduous shrub prized for its exceptionally long flowering season — pink-purple pea flowers on arching stems from June through October. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil; it thrives on poor, dry ground once established. Cut back hard to a low framework each spring before growth begins, as it flowers on current-year wood. Perfectly hardy in most UK gardens once established.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Light feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser. Avoid high nitrogen which encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Watch For
- Aphids on new growth
- Powdery mildew in dry conditions
Companions
Salvia, Agapanthus, Penstemon, Cistus
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun
Needs a warm, sunny position. Flowers best against a south or west-facing wall or in an open sunny border.
Watering
Drought tolerant once established
Water regularly in the first season to establish. Once settled, tolerates dry conditions well — avoid waterlogging.
Pruning
Hard prune each spring
Cut all stems back to a low framework of 2-3 buds in early spring. Flowers on current-year wood so hard pruning maximises the display.
Mulching
Annual mulch in autumn
Apply a mulch of compost or bark around the base in autumn to protect roots and conserve moisture.
