How to Grow Indigo Bush - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Indigo bush is a plant that is native to the southern United States. It is a member of the legume family, which includes beans and peas. The indigo bush is a perennial, meaning it lives for more than two years. The plant grows to be about six feet tall and has dark green leaves. The flowers of the indigo bush are purple and bloom from June to September. The fruit of the plant is a dark blue-black color and is about the size of a pea. The indigo bush is used for ornamental purposes and as a source of dye.

How to Grow Indigo Bush - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Blue indigo
  • Blue sage
  • Indigo bush
  • Indigo plant
  • Wild indigo

Things to Know

  • Indigo bush is a shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall.
  • It has dark green, glossy leaves and white or pale blue flowers.
  • The leaves and stems of the plant are used to make a blue dye.
  • Indigo bush is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
  • It has been introduced to Europe and North America as an ornamental plant.
  • The leaves of the plant can be poisonous if ingested in large quantities.
  • Indigo bush has been used medicinally to treat a variety of conditions including fever, diarrhea, and wound healing.
  • The plant is considered to be an invasive species in some areas.
  • Indigo bush is the national flower of Bangladesh.
  • It is the state flower of Louisiana in the United States.

Related plant:
False Indigo Bush

Growing Steps

  1. For indigo bush, first step is to sow seeds in a sunny location.
  2. Water regularly and keep the soil moist.
  3. Fertilize the plants every two weeks using a balanced fertilizer.
  4. When the plants are big enough, pinch back the tips to encourage bushier growth.
  5. Indigo bush is a woody perennial, so it will need to be pruned annually to keep it from getting too leggy.
  6. To harvest the indigo dye, cut the stems and leaves from the plant and steep them in hot water for at least an hour.
  7. The longer the plant material is steeped, the deeper the color of the dye will be.
  8. After the desired color is achieved, strain the plant material from the dye and use it immediately or store it in a covered container for later use.
  9. To get the most color from your indigo bush, it is best to harvest the dye in the summer when the plants are in full bloom.
  10. Indigo bush is a beautiful plant that can add a splash of color to any garden!

The Soil

About soil condition, the indigo bush does best in average to slightly acidic, well-drained soils. It grows rapidly in rich soils, but is slower in poorer ones. It also tolerates a wide range of soils, from sandy to heavy clay.

Light requirement

Just like other plants, an indigo bush needs sunlight to grow. However, it doesn't need as much sun as some other plants. It can grow in partial shade or full sun. If you live in an area with hot summers, it's best to plant your indigo bush in a spot that gets some afternoon shade.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the growth of an indigo bush is a warm temperature. Indigo bushes thrive in warm climates and do not do well in cold climates. Therefore, if you live in a cold climate, you will need to take measures to protect your indigo bush from the cold weather.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70% The indigo bush (Indigofera tinctoria) is a species of flowering plant in the bean family, Fabaceae. It is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Malaysia. It is a small shrub that grows to a height of 1-2 meters. The leaves are compound, with each leaf consisting of 3-7 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are small and yellow, and they are borne in clusters. The fruit is a pod that contains 2-4 seeds. The indigo bush tolerates a wide range of conditions, but it prefers a warm and humid climate. It can grow in full sun or partial shade, and it prefers a well-drained soil. The indigo bush is an important plant in the traditional dye industry. The leaves and stems are used to extract a blue dye, which is used to color cloth. The plant is also used in folk medicine, and the seeds are used as a food source.

Fertilizing

About fertilizer, usually the plant is well-fertilized when you purchase it. However, after a couple of years, you may need to give it an extra boost. You can use a granular fertilizer that you sprinkle around the base of the plant. Or, you can use a water-soluble fertilizer that you mix with water and apply to the plant. Once a month during the growing season is usually sufficient. As for the roots, they are very important to the plant. The roots help anchor the plant in the ground and help it absorb water and nutrients from the soil. They also help store food for the plant.

About light

Pruning is an important part of keeping your indigo bush healthy and looking its best. Pruning not only helps to control the size and shape of the bush, but also helps to keep it from getting too leggy. When pruning, be sure to cut back the stems to just above a leaf node. This will encourage new growth and help to keep the bush compact.

About Propagating

Propagation is best done in late spring to early summer by softwood cuttings taken from new growth. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the shoots and should be around 4-6 inches long. The bottom 2 inches of the cutting should be cut at an angle just below a leaf node. The cutting should then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not wet and provide bottom heat if possible. Cuttings should root within 4-8 weeks. Once rooted, the plants can be transplanted into individual pots and grown on until large enough to plant out in the garden.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to moderate. However, with proper care, they can grow quite rapidly. They respond well to consistent watering and fertilization. However, they do require full sun to reach their potential growth rate.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are root rot and powdery mildew. Root rot can be caused by too much moisture, and powdery mildew can be caused by too little moisture. Both of these problems can be controlled by proper watering and by using a fungicide.

Basics of Growing

  • Make sure to plant your indigo bush in an area that receives full sun.
  • Indigo bushes prefer well-drained soils. Amend your soil with organic matter before planting if needed.
  • Space your plants at least 2 to 3 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation.
  • Indigo bushes are drought tolerant once they are established. Water them regularly during the first growing season to help them get established.
  • Indigo bushes are not heavy feeders. Fertilize them once a year with a balanced fertilizer or compost.
  • Prune your plants annually to keep them shapely and to encourage new growth.
  • Indigo bushes are susceptible to powdery mildew. Avoid overhead watering and provide adequate air circulation to help prevent this problem.
  • Watch for Japanese beetles which can be destructive to indigo plants. Hand pick them off or use an insecticide if needed.
  • Indigo bushes are deer resistant.

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Source:
False Indigo - A Native Shrub for the Home Landscape
Indigo Bush - Sonoran Desert Explorers - sites.google.com
Spring flower 27: Desert false indigo – Bee the Best!

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category