Indigofera kirilowii

Indigo is a genus of over 700 species from various habitats. The African species indigofera tinctorial was historically the first source of blue dye before lapis lazuli was discovered. Chinese indigo – Kirilow’s indigo comes from Korea, north China and South Japan.

Kirilow’s indigo is a small deciduous flowering shrub producing a profusion of pea-like flowers. They are bright rosy pink and are composed in 10-13 cm long, terminal racemes from early June. Under ideal conditions new shoots with flowering buds keep on growing all summer long and flowers are produced continuously. Its deciduous, compound leaves are soft green and look like dwarf locust leaves. The plant form almost horizontal subshrubs usually not taller than one meter and a little wider.

Indigo is best grown in very fertile, perfectly drained soil in full sun, it hates compacted or water-logged ground. Under such conditions you can expect a lovely, bushy and dense shrub with profusion of flowers from June until August, creating a typical atmosphere of its home. For best results it should be cut back every spring to encourage new growths (like buddleja or caryopteris – remove 70-80% of previous year’s growths). Keep it mulched all year as it hates long lasting drought. Hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5) but is supposed to take a few degrees lower and acts like a perennial coming back from its roots.

Last update 09-06-2020