Chinese Indigo

Indigofera incarnata

$23.00
Low Stock

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 6-9

The genus is the one that turned the Lowcountry blue. Indigofera gave colonial South Carolina its great cash crop alongside rice, the dye Eliza Lucas Pinckney coaxed into commercial cultivation in the 1740s and that filled Charleston's coffers for a generation. That fortune was built on a tropical cousin, Indigofera tinctoria, but the family trait runs all through the genus, and the leaves of this one will give up the same blue if you care to steep them. We grow it for the flowers instead.

Indigofera incarnata, the Chinese indigo, comes from the streambanks and open woods of China and Japan, and it earns its other name, summer wisteria, honestly: through June and July it hangs narrow four to eight inch racemes of small pea flowers, twenty to forty to a spike, in a clear soft pink. (The white one is sold separately as 'Alba'. This is the rose-colored species, whatever a careless label might once have told you.) The bloom comes on the current year's wood and carries on in scattered flushes toward September.

It stays low and travels, a foot or two tall and three or four wide, suckering gently into a soft mound of fine pinnate foliage, and being a legume it gives back to the soil it sits in. Cut it hard in late winter and it returns to flower right through the heat, a quiet rose-pink drift in the stretch of summer when most shrubs have already called it a year.

Standing on: Indigofera incarnata is a synonym of Indigofera decora ("summer wisteria"), a deciduous spreading shrub native to China and Japan, in the family Fabaceae, with light pink pea-like flowers in summer. It grows on streams and in woodlands, blooms June–July (sporadically to September) on new growth in narrow 4–8 inch racemes, and its leaves can be used for indigo dye. The species flowers are pink; the white-flowered form is 'Alba' (Indigofera decora f. alba), and the dye long used for indigo comes chiefly from Indigofera tinctoria. The Eliza Lucas Pinckney / colonial South Carolina indigo history is well documented and independent of this species.

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

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Hardiness Zones USDA Zones 6-9
Sun Full Sun and Part Shade
Soil Well-drained
Mature size Height: 18-24 Inches / Spread: 18-24 Inches
Growth Rate Slow
Seasonality Deciduous

Flower, Fruit and Foliage

Flower. Slender axillary racemes four to eight inches long, each hung with twenty to forty small pea flowers in a soft rose-pink, opening through June and July and returning in scattered flushes toward September. They form on the current season's wood, which is why a hard late-winter cut only makes the next round more generous. Wisteria in miniature, which is how it came by the name summer wisteria.

Fruit. A slim cylindrical legume pod, the family's plain signature, ripening to brown and drying until it splits, often with a small audible snap, to throw its seed clear of the parent. Modest beside the bloom, and easily sheared off if you would rather keep things tidy.

Foliage. Fine pinnate leaves to about eight inches, each divided into seven to thirteen small elliptic leaflets of clean dark green. Low and soft-textured, it reads as a quiet green mat between flushes of flower, and, being a legume, it leaves the ground a little richer than it found it.

Read full care instruction manual here.

Light Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade. Indigofera incarnata thrives best in full sunlight, which promotes the healthiest growth and most abundant flowering. It can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but for the best results, provide it with plenty of direct sunlight.

Soil Requirements: Prefers well-draining, moderately fertile soil. This plant grows well in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, into the soil can improve its fertility and structure, supporting robust growth.

Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. While Indigofera incarnata is somewhat drought-tolerant once established, it prefers consistently moist soil during the growing season. Water deeply and regularly, but avoid waterlogged conditions. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain soil moisture and keeps the roots cool.

Temperature and Humidity: Hardy in USDA zones 6-9. Indigofera incarnata is well-suited to warmer climates and can tolerate high temperatures and humidity. It does not perform well in areas with heavy frost or freezing temperatures, so it is best suited for subtropical to tropical regions.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering. An additional application of fertilizer in mid-summer can help sustain the plant during its peak growing season. Organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can also be beneficial for maintaining soil fertility.

Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain the plant’s shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and more prolific flowering. After the flowering season, light pruning can also be done to tidy up the plant and prepare it for the next growing season.

Pests and Problems: Generally pest-resistant and disease-free. Indigofera incarnata is a hardy plant with few common pest or disease issues. However, it’s always good to monitor for any signs of fungal infections, especially in overly wet conditions. If pests or diseases are detected, treat with appropriate measures such as insecticidal soap or fungicides.

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From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

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All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

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Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
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