Indigofera
Indigofera
By Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=103082014
By Paul venter - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17763963
Scientific Name:
Indigofera tinctoria (common indigo) or Indigofera kirilowii (Korean indigo), among other species
Common Names:
Indigo, True indigo, Korean indigo, Indigo bush
Lighting Requirements:
Full sun to partial shade
Height:
2-4 feet for smaller species; some species can grow up to 6 feet
Width:
2-4 feet
Seasonal Interest:
Blooms in late spring to early summer with clusters of pink, purple, or blue flowers; attractive foliage
Winter Look:
Dormant; some species may lose their leaves, while others retain them in milder climates
Drought Tolerance:
Moderate
Deer Resistance:
Moderate (I've seen them eat these plants)
Attracts:
Bees, butterflies
Hardiness Zones:
Zones 6-9 (depending on species)
Soil Requirements:
Well-drained soil; tolerates poor and sandy soils
pH Range:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Native To:
Asia, Africa, and parts of the Americas, depending on the species
Potential Disease Issues:
Generally pest-resistant; can occasionally face leaf spot or root rot in poorly drained soil
Notes:
I'm more familiar with Indigofera kirilowii. It seems to be a heavy feeder in my soil. I had a client years ago who had multiple Indigoferas in her front beds. She had to protect them from the deer.