River Indigo
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(Indigofera jucunda)
River Indigo (Indigofera jucunda)
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© Rosemary Harrison
CC BY-SA 4.0
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© Rosemary Harrison
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Rosemary Harrison | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Uploader: rosemary_harrison | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Summary
Indigofera jucunda, commonly known as River Indigo, Natal Indigo, or Pink Indigo, is a deciduous shrub native to the forest margins, thickets, and rocky outcrops of Southern Africa, particularly within the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. It exhibits a moderate growth rate, reaching a typical height and width of 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters). The plant is characterized by its compound leaves and dense clusters of pink, pea-like flowers that are quite showy and bloom profusely from late spring to summer, attracting pollinators. The foliage is bright green, adding to the plant’s ornamental value.
River Indigo is valued for its attractive flowers and ability to adapt to various garden settings. It is used in borders, as a specimen plant, or for informal hedging. It is relatively easy to maintain, thriving in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided they have medium drainage. It prefers full sun to part shade, which encourages the best flowering. While generally pest-free, it can occasionally suffer from fungal diseases in overly moist conditions. River Indigo can self-seed in ideal conditions but is not considered problematic.CC BY-SA 4.0
River Indigo is valued for its attractive flowers and ability to adapt to various garden settings. It is used in borders, as a specimen plant, or for informal hedging. It is relatively easy to maintain, thriving in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided they have medium drainage. It prefers full sun to part shade, which encourages the best flowering. While generally pest-free, it can occasionally suffer from fungal diseases in overly moist conditions. River Indigo can self-seed in ideal conditions but is not considered problematic.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Width: 3-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Cream, Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Forest margins, thickets, and rocky outcrops within the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of Southern Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Natal Indigo, Pink Indigo
Scientific Names: Indigofera jucunda, Indigofera cylindrica
GBIF Accepted Name: Indigofera jucunda