Indigo

Plant name: Indigo

Scientific name: Indigofera tinctoria

Plant description:
Indigofera tinctoria, commonly known as True Indigo, is a small flowering shrub historically cultivated for its natural blue dye. This leguminous plant forms a fine-textured, branching habit with airy foliage and delicate flower spikes. In warm climates it grows as a perennial shrub, while in cooler regions it may be treated as an annual. Beyond its dye value, indigo adds light structure and subtle color to pollinator and cottage-style plantings.

Flower description:
Indigo produces slender, upright to slightly arching racemes of small pink to violet flowers. Blooms appear in clusters along thin stems and are followed by narrow seed pods typical of the pea family. Flowering typically occurs during the warm growing season and attracts bees and other pollinators.

Leaf description:
Leaves are pinnate, composed of multiple small oval leaflets arranged along a central stem. Foliage is medium green with a soft, feathery appearance that gives the plant a light, airy texture in the landscape.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Semi-evergreen to deciduous depending on climate. In cooler regions, it may die back with frost and regrow in warm conditions.

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 9–11 as a perennial; grown as an annual in colder climates.

Mature height and width:
Typically 3–6 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide, forming a loosely rounded shrub.

Landscape uses:
Suitable for pollinator gardens, naturalized borders, herbal plantings, and specialty dye gardens. Its fine texture works well alongside ornamental grasses and flowering perennials. Historically valued for natural textile dye production.

Native range:
Native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, particularly India, with cultivation spreading to other warm regions worldwide.

Sun exposure:
Performs best in full sun. Strong light encourages dense branching and consistent flowering. Partial shade may reduce bloom production and compact growth.

Water requirements:
Prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering during establishment. Once established, it tolerates short dry periods. Avoid heavy, poorly drained soils.

Pests and problems:
Generally low maintenance. May occasionally experience aphids or caterpillars. Excess moisture can lead to root problems. Good drainage and airflow support plant health.

Heat and sun tolerance: Cold tolerance:
Handles heat and direct sun well. Sensitive to frost; freezing temperatures may cause dieback or kill the plant in colder climates.

Growing tips:
Plant in well-drained soil with adequate spacing for airflow. Light pruning after flowering can encourage branching and maintain a fuller shape. Avoid excessive fertilization, as indigo fixes nitrogen and typically does not require heavy feeding. Position where its fine foliage and delicate flower spikes can complement bolder plants while providing historical and functional interest.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.