Despite a name that suggests a love child of the ’60s, River Indigo (Indigofera Frutescens) is a most practical small tree and a forest ‘starter’ that grows like lightening. I planted one to replace an exotic and thought it was going to take years to rise to the challenge. Eight months later it has almost tripled in size. It also is awash with the most beautiful dark pink to light pink flowers and has pretty much been flowering all spring and summer. It’s a lovely sight to behold. It likes a bit of shade, and apparently needs to be pruned after flowering has ended. I love my River Indigo, and it’s easy to forgive her her slightly dodgy name.
The super fast one
Hey Sons. I planted one of these at my mom’s house, back when I was living with them. It is a champion plant.
This is one of my favourite trees for a small garden, I’ve actually just finished a garden where I’ve planted a grove of them, will have to write a post about it on Monday. Butterflies love them too…maybe there is something to the hippy name?
Ok I know it’s off topic, but I had to share this BBC article about gardening with you all http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7952340.stm – Take care … ROFLOL
hey dags, we’re all about the gung-ho gardening
I have just bought a River Indigo for my small garden and as a birthday gift. I liked the name, the look of the pretty tree and the delicate leaves. Plus hope it covers the bricks and outlook from my townhouse. And it attracts butterflies yipee! and hopefully some bees! Jacqui
I have been searching everywhere to buy a Rivier Indigo Tree, but they are nowhere to be found. Jacqui where did you buy your tree from? I live in the Western Cape.
There was a huge tree growing at the Kirstenbosch nursery, where I bought a plant years ago. You know – I’ll have one of those thanks.
Hi Poppie,
I bought my River Indigo at the Witkoppen Wild Flower or Indigenous Nursery in Jozi. I am sure if you try an indigenous nursery they could assist you or maybe ask at the Botanical Gardens perhas. Good luck. My little indigo now has lots of lovey little pink flobers. It is such a pretty tree and also straight after i platned it some of the small birds started arriving. best wishes Jacqui