Indigofera kirilowii

Sunset

Indigofera kirilowii, photo courtesy of Richard Shiell

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Zones 2B, 3-9, 14-21

Full

Moderate

Indigo Bush

Deciduous, Shrubs

INDIGOFERA

Called indigo bushes because some of their near relations are sources for indigo dye, these woody-stemmed plants have finely divided, almost ferny foliage. Dense clusters of tiny, sweet pea—shaped flowers appear in summer. Plants canbe killed to the ground in a hard winter, but they recover quickly from the roots and bloom on new wood in spring and summer. Even in mild-winter areas, plants are more compact and attractive when cut back hard in late dormant season. Good drainage essential.

Indigofera kirilowii

Native to northernChina, Korea, and Japan.To 2 1/2–3 ft. high, 3 ft. wide, with upright shoots and erect, 5-in. clusters of rose-pink flowers. Full sun.