Indigofera australis – Australian Indigo

Indigofera australis - Australian indigo
Indigofera australis - Australian indigo
Indigofera australis - Australian indigo

A lovely ornamental shrub which is also a good plant for wildlife, being a good nectar and food source for butterflies. It will flower through spring, with spires of pink to purple blooms. Growing to around 2 metres tall and wide, it can take neglect and some frost and drought. Given regular watering, a handful of slow release fertiliser each spring, and a light prune, it will grow into a lovely garden specimen.
The leaves and stems can be used for natural dyes, and give a soft yellow colour.

Family : Fabaceae

Cultivar Name:

Plant Type : Small shrub, Large shrub

Width : 2

Flowering Time : Spring

Soil Type : Sandy, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Potting mix, Poor soil

Climate Zone : Sub-tropical, Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean, Cool, Semi-arid

Growth Habit : Evergreen, Open foliage, Spreading

Soil Moisture : Dry, Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage

Special Uses : Bonsai, Playground friendly

Scientific Name: Indigofera australis

Common Name : Australian Indigo

Height : 2

Flower Color : Pink, Purple

pH Level : Acid, Neutral

Plant Environment : Low maintenance garden, Courtyard, Container growing, Cottage garden, Flower garden, Coastal garden, Drought resistant

Light : Sunny, Light shade

Lifespan : Perennial

Frost Tolerance : Tolerates light frost

Attracts Wildlife : Bees, Nectar eating birds, Other insects