Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Indigofera

Species:

Indigofera australis

USDA Symbol:

INAU2

Growth Characteristics

Height:

300 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

sep,oct,nov

Bloom Colors:

pink, mauve

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Can resprout from rootstock after fire; seeds may be stimulated by heat.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

well-drained, sandy to loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to open forests and woodlands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 30–60 days

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) followed by warm stratification then cold stratification for optimal germination.