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Description
Indigofera Flabellata, also known as the fan-leaved indigo, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to South Africa and is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful flowers and foliage.This shrub can grow up to 2 meters in height and 1.5 meters in width. It has a rounded and spreading habit and can be pruned to maintain its shape. The leaves are small and fan-shaped, giving it its common name. The flowers are pinkish-purple and appear in clusters from late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Indigofera |
Appearance
The Indigofera Flabellata has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other shrubs. Its small, fan-shaped leaves are a bright green color and are clustered together along the stem. The leaves turn yellow in the fall before dropping off.The flowers of this shrub are pinkish-purple and appear in clusters from late spring to early summer. They are pea-like and have a sweet fragrance. The fruit is a small pod that contains several seeds.
Care Guide
Indigofera Flabellata is a low-maintenance shrub that can thrive in a variety of soil and light conditions. Here are some tips to ensure your plant stays healthy:- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter months.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: This shrub prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic.- Sunlight: Indigofera Flabellata can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, but it prefers partial shade in hot climates.- Hardiness Zones: This shrub is hardy in USDA zones 7-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Indigofera Flabellata is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to spider mites and root rot if overwatered. To prevent these issues, make sure to water your plant properly and inspect it regularly for signs of pests.
Habitat
Indigofera Flabellata is native to South Africa and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and woodlands. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Indigofera Flabellata grow in full sun?
A: Yes, this shrub can tolerate full sun, but it prefers partial shade in hot climates.Q: How often should I water Indigofera Flabellata?
A: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter months.Q: Is Indigofera Flabellata susceptible to pests and diseases?
A: This shrub is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to spider mites and root rot if overwatered.Q: What is the best fertilizer for Indigofera Flabellata?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
– Indigofera Tinctoria- Indigofera Heterantha- Indigofera Suffruticosa- Indigofera Kirilowii
References
– “Indigofera Flabellata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287114.- “Indigofera Flabellata.” PlantZAfrica, www.plantzafrica.com/plantij/indigoflab.htm.- “Indigofera Flabellata.” Plantwise Knowledge Bank, www.plantwise.org/knowledgebank/datasheet/48306.
