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Indigofera kirilowii

Indigofera kirilowii

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I have had a Kirilov indigo plant for 3 years now, it has spent a summer and a winter in a pot. It is a bush that starts late but it has started growing well. I planted it in a spot that is in shade for most of the day, and it has grown well. It is now over 2m (7ft) tall and is covered in pink flowers, with lots of wild bees around. It suffered a bit from the late April frost, but it is in great shape now. Last year, I planted some seeds, and 3 small bushes sprouted. I put them in small pots, but only the largest one survived. It started growing in early May and is now 35cm (14in) tall.

Gérard, 28/06/2021

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More information

One of the hardiest and least demanding. A fantastic little bush that flowers in lilac-pink at the start of summer. Beautiful in autumn. Accommodating, it is content with well-drained, ordinary, even poor and mediocre soil, in a warm and sunny exposure. Flowering and ornamental, it is perfect in a border, rockery, isolated, or in a pot.
Flower size
12 cm
Height at maturity
1.20 m
Spread at maturity
1.20 m
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Hardiness
Hardy down to -23°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time March to April, October to November
Recommended planting time March to June
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Description

Indigofera kirilowii, also known as Kirilov's indigo, is an underrated species. However, it is one of the hardiest and least demanding plants. In early summer, this sturdy little deciduous bush with a flexible and compact habit, is adorned with clusters of lilac-pink pea flowers. It is also a splendour in autum. Easy-going, it is content with well-drained, ordinary, even poor and mediocre soil, in a warm, sunny or semi-shaded exposure. Flowering and ornamental, it is used in beds, as a standalone, in groups, in large rockeries, or even in pots.

Originating from Manchuria (Northeast China), and Korea, Indigofera kirilowii is a small bush from the Fabaceae family that deserves a place in our gardens. In nature, it grows in thickets and grassy places, under difficult climates. It has a slow to moderate growth rate. Tall and wide at 1.2 to 1.5m (4 to 5ft), it displays an erect, but supple and light habit, slightly trailing under the weight of the flowers. Bright and vivid green deciduous leaves appear on slender and arched branches. They are cut into 7 to 11 leaflets 1 to 3cm (0.4 to 1in) long, slightly villous on each face. From May to July, it produces beautiful clusters of 12cm (5in) long. They are erect, composed of lilac-pink pea flowers, 1 to 2cm (0.4 to 1in) in diameter, and develop on the current year's shoots. At the end of the season, the bush turns a flamboyant orange-yellow. Hardy up to -20°C (-4°F). This small bush suckers weakly thanks to its rhizomatous root system, without ever becoming invasive.

Indigofera kirilowii is an excellent candidate for gardens with mediocre soil. It is also ideal on the edge of undergrowth where it will not struggle to make a place in the sun. It is magnificent when planted in a raised bed, or at the top of a wall where its flexible and flowering branches can trail. Plant it with Lespedeza thunbergii, which will take over in September, Amorpha fruticosa (a bit taller) or even Amorpha canescens which blooms as early as May. It can also be placed next to an evergreen and dark bush (Cotoneaster lacteus, Photinia 'Red Robin', laurel, Mahonia aquifolium) whose foliage will contrast with its coppery gold leaves. It can also be grown in a flowering hedge, with cotinus and spindle trees, or in a large pot.

Indigofera kirilowii in pictures

Indigofera kirilowii  (Flowering) Flowering
Indigofera kirilowii  (Foliage) Foliage

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.20 m
Spread at maturity 1.20 m
Habit Irregular, bushy
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Inflorescence Cluster
Flower size 12 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour green

Botanical data

Genus

Indigofera

Species

kirilowii

Family

Fabaceae

Origin

China

Product reference06040021

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Planting and care

Plant in spring or autumn, in well-drained, ordinary, even poor soil, in sunny or semi-shaded situations. At the end of March, prune dead or diseased branches and those that cross over to maintain a balanced habit. It is very resistant to diseases and does not require any other maintenance.

Planting period

Best planting time March to April, October to November
Recommended planting time March to June

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Free-standing, Container, Hedge, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -23°C (USDA zone 6a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, Well-drained soil

Care

Pruning instructions At the end of March, prune the dead or diseased branches and those that cross over to maintain a harmonious habit.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground
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