NOT JUST FOR THE HERBALIST’S GARDEN!  AUSTRALIAN INDIGO! INDIGOFERA AUSTRALIS – SPRAYS OF PURPLE PEA TYPE FLOWERS ON A RICH GREEN BACKGROUND OF LEAVES, CAN BE USED FOR NATURAL DYES, BIRDS AND BUTTERFLIES ADORE IT, DOG, ANIMAL AND KID SAFE!

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.

Scientific Name: Indigofera australis
Family: Fabaceae
Common Name: Australian Indigo
Plant Type: Small shrub, Large shrub
Height: 1 ~ 2 metre
Width: 1 ~ 2 metre
Flower Colour: Pink, Purple
Flowering Time: Spring
Plant Environment: Low maintenance garden, Courtyard, Container growing, Cottage garden, Flower garden, Coastal garden.
Climate Zone: Sub-tropical, Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean, Cool, Semi-arid
Light: Sunny, Light shade
Growth Habit: Evergreen, Open foliage, Spreading
Plant Usage: Feature plant, Border plant
Special Uses: Bonsai, Playground friendly
Attracts Wildlife: Bees, Nectar eating birds, Other insects.

MEDIUM/SMALL DARK SEEDS. EASY TO SEE AND HANDLE.

Grow Notes
Can be grown in full sun to light shade, in well-draining soil.

Drought resistant when established. Tolerates light frost.

Sow
Soak seeds overnight in just-boiled water.

Raise seedlings, or sow direct, in late Winter or Spring. Place the seeds in seed raising mix at a depth of 6mm, with 150cm plant spacing.

Keep soil moist, not wet.

Place in a warm shaded or semi shaded spot.

Germination
21-28 days at 18-24°C

Maturity
Frost Hardy Perennial.