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Description
Indigofera Fruticosa, commonly known as the “False indigo,” is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to southern Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. The plant is an upright shrub that grows up to 1 to 2 meters tall. It has small, delicate, light green leaves, and small pink or white flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. The plant’s fragrant flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Indigofera |
Appearance
Indigofera Fruticosa is a deciduous shrub that has a bushy, upright habit. It grows up to 1 to 2 meters tall and wide. The plant has small, delicate, light green leaves that are pinnate, with 9 to 15 leaflets. The leaves are about 1 to 2 cm long and 0.5 to 1.5 cm wide. The plant’s flowers are small and pink or white, and they bloom in late spring and early summer. The flowers are arranged in clusters of 5 to 15, and they are about 0.5 to 1 cm long. The plant’s fruit is a small, flat, and hairy pod that contains 2 to 4 seeds.
Care Guide
Indigofera Fruticosa is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some care tips for growing this plant:
Water
Indigofera Fruticosa prefers soil that is moist but well-drained. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry periods.
Fertilization
Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring before new growth appears. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced flowering.
Soil
The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clay soils.
Sunlight
Indigofera Fruticosa prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it may produce fewer flowers.
Hardiness Zones
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Indigofera Fruticosa is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can occasionally be affected by the following pests and diseases:
Pests
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Caterpillars
Diseases
- Powdery mildew
- Leaf spot
- Root rot
Habitat
Indigofera Fruticosa is native to southern Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. The plant grows in a variety of habitats, including rocky hillsides, scrublands, and woodland edges. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Indigofera Fruticosa a good plant for a beginner gardener?
A: Yes, Indigofera Fruticosa is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. It is a good choice for beginner gardeners.
Q: How often should I water Indigofera Fruticosa?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry periods. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: Can I grow Indigofera Fruticosa in a container?
A: Yes, Indigofera Fruticosa can be grown in a container. Make sure the container has good drainage and is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Does Indigofera Fruticosa attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant’s fragrant flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
- Indigofera tinctoria
- Indigofera heterantha
- Indigofera suffruticosa
- Indigofera kirilowii
References
- “Indigofera Fruticosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 29 Mar. 2021. <http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a654>.
- “Indigofera Fruticosa.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 29 Mar. 2021. <https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/6711/i-Indigofera-fruticosa-i/Details>.
- “Indigofera Fruticosa (False indigo).” Gardenia.net. Accessed 29 Mar. 2021. <https://www.gardenia.net/plant/indigofera-fruticosa-false-indigo>.
