Indigofera Indigofera amblyantha

Commonly known as Indigofera or indigo, this deciduous shrub grows on streams and in woodlands in its native south central China and is suited to average well-drained neutral to slightly alkaline soil and medium moisture. It can be sun, heat and drought tolerant when mature; but in a hot, humid atmosphere, it benefits from afternoon shade.  It can also suffer damage to the branch tips in a harsh winter.  As it flowers on new growth, it is best to prune to close to the ground or to live growth very early in the spring or even late winter.

As wide as it is tall, 4-6 feet, it's leaves are grey green of 4-6 inch pinnate leaflets, but the fall color is not distinguished.  The flowering time, however, is extended from May to September.  The pea-shaped blooms of pink to rose to lilac are held in narrow racemes of 2-5 inches and are followed by dark purple seed pods.