Species Dwarf False Indigo
purple-yellow flowers with lavender buds, light-green leaves and white-beige stems

Dwarf False Indigo

Amorpha nana

Also Known As - Fragrant Indigo Bush,Dwarf Indigobush
The Dwarf False Indigo (Amorpha nana) is a deciduous North American native shrub. It is a slow-growing species ideal for small gardens and limited spaces. It grows up to 5 feet tall and has small, grey-green foliage with delicate clusters of blue-purple flowers in early summer. Foliage turns yellow and orange in autumn. This unique species is deer resistant and is an important plant for attracting beneficial pollinators such as butterflies and bees. Its deep root system makes it drought tolerant and easy to care for. Overall, this hardy shrub is an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardeners.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

4

Flowers:

Purple Flowers

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Soil:

Sand, Loam

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

General watering guidelines for the Dwarf False Indigo plant recommend providing the plant with an inch of water during every watering session. This should be done once a week during the growing season. During periods of extreme heat, it may be beneficial to increase watering to twice per week. During the winter, allow the top layer of soil to dry out completely before providing additional water. If the soil still feels wet, no additional water is needed during this time.

sunlight

Dwarf False Indigo (Amorpha nana) prefers to grow in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day in order for the plant to stay healthy and thrive. In areas with prolonged hot and dry summers, the plant should be given some protection from the hot afternoon sun. If planted in full sun, this will help it to flower profusely and remain bushier. If planted in partial shade, it will still flower, but won’t be as dense or as prolific. It is advised to give your Dwarf False Indigo some afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day to protect it from scorching temperatures.

pruning

Dwarf False Indigo (Amorpha nana) should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Pruning should be light, removing a few of the oldest and most woody stems at ground level. This will allow space and light into the center of the plant, encouraging air circulation and making it less susceptible to disease. If desired, a few of the stems can also be trimmed at the top to keep the shape of the plant. Pruning should be done annually or bi-annually; however, no more than 1-third of the total growth should be removed each time.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Dwarf False Indigo typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Dwarf False Indigo typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map