Indigo Plant - Indigofera tinctoria (in pot)

Indigo

Indigofera tinctoria

Indigofera tinctoria, commonly known as True Indigo, is a beautiful and historically significant perennial shrub from the pea family, renowned as one of the oldest and most prized natural dye plants in the world. Its delicate, feathery pinnate leaves are the source of natural indigo — the iconic deep blue dye that has coloured textiles, fabrics, and ceremonial garments across cultures for thousands of years. Beyond its utility, it is a graceful and attractive garden plant, producing slender stems lined with soft green foliage and pretty clusters of small pink to lilac flowers through the warmer months.

Native to tropical Asia, Indigo thrives in warm, sunny conditions and well-drained soil. In cooler New Zealand climates it is best grown in containers so it can be overwintered indoors or in a warm, sheltered greenhouse to protect it from frost. It may drop its leaves over winter in cool conditions — this is completely normal. With the return of warmth and light in spring it will reshoot vigorously, ready for another season of growth and harvest.

PLANT CARE

• Light: Full sun; essential for strong growth and best leaf production
- Water: Water regularly during active growth; avoid waterlogging; allow the top few centimetres to dry slightly between waterings
- Humidity: Low to medium humidity preferred
- Considerations: Frost-tender — overwinter indoors or in a sheltered greenhouse in cooler climates. Best grown in a container for easy overwintering. May drop leaves in winter; this is normal — reduce watering and keep roots on the dry side while the plant is dormant. It will reshoot vigorously with warmth and water in spring. Harvest mature leaves for dye extraction when plants are lush and green. Plant in well-draining soil, such as our specifically designed blend for aroids and houseplants.

Please note: Photos are representative of the plants available; each plant is naturally unique. Plant in 4" pot.