AVERAGE SIZE (H) x (W): 3m x 2m
MAXIMUM SIZE (H) x (W): 4m x 3m
FLOWERING TIME:   J F M A M J J A S O N D
FRUITING TIME:   J F M A M J J A S O N D
A dainty-looking small tree or shrub which bears sprays of showy pink flowers for a long period in summer. The smooth dark brown bark has distinct vertical markings. The branches provide perches for birds which visit the shrub to feed on the myriad of insects which are attracted to the plant. The leaves are mid green and semi-deciduous. The flowers are rich in nectar and attract butterflies and other pollinating insects. The flowers are followed by seed pods 3-4cm long that explode and twist to release the small dark brown seeds.
ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS:Indigofera jacunda is rich in nectar and attract a host of pollinating insects including several butterfly species (pictured above is the Garden Acraea butterfly). In addition, it serves as a host plant to several species. It also attracts numerous other insects which entice many birds.
NATURAL HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION:
Riverine forest, forest margins and grasslands.
MAINTENANCE:
Trim branches back by a third in winter when the plant is dormant and it this will encourage bushy new growth with abundant flowers in summer.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Water moderately in summer.
GARDEN THEMES:
Bushveld, country, forest, formal, woodland
LANDSCAPING USES:
Ideal for small gardens and really effective planted in groves. It is also an excellent container plant.
Small compound leaves are borne on drooping to horizontal branches.
The seed pods are green and mature to brown. They split open and twist to release the seeds.
The seeds are round and amber-coloured, approximately 2mm in diameter.
WILDLIFE GALLERY:
Easy to propagate from seed. It is fast-growing and will flower within the first year.
FULL GALLERY:
Hi Merchell
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
Indigofera jacunda is not known to have an aggressive root system. I’d recommend a safe planting distance of 3m from a pool as it sheds leaves and flowers for long periods that can become a pain if you intend having a sparkling pool.
Flourish!
Glenice
Can the river indigo be planted close to a swimming pool? What type of roots do they have?
Hi Sandra
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
Indigofera jacunda prefers a well-drained soil so yes, all the amendments which you mention will help to achieve this.
Flourish!
Glenice
Hi, I live in George. I will be planting a small tree on 1 April. My soil is like clay. Should I add a little river sand when I plant as well as compost, bone meal and Peatmoss? I don’t want to kill it with kindness but really want to give it a chance.
Would appreciate your advice.
Kind regards,
Sandra
Hi Hilary
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
You’re welcome to send through a picture to designs@groundedlandscaping.co.za.
Flourish!
Glenice
I want to send you a pic for indentification if possible
Hi Joeline
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
Your branch is not likely to root.
It may be best to stake your young tree to avoid another accident with your dogs.
Flourish!
Glenice
Hi. My dogs have knocked a small branch off my newly planted tree. Is there a chance this will root directly into soil or would it root in a jug of water…or not at all?
Thanks for any and all advice.
Best regards,
Joeline
Hi Alison
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
The green seeds are not yet mature so are unlikely to germinate. Wait a few more weeks for the pods to turn dark brown on the tree to get mature seeds. You’ll find that they may even start exploding and some may even explode in your hand as you pick them.
Flourish!
Glenice
Hi,
My tree is covered in seeds. I’ve been waiting ages to pick the pods. It’s really been months. The pods are finally turning brown. However when i open them the seeds are still green inside. Would they still be viable if I dried them myself. Or must I wait till the seeds have turned black inside the pods.
Regards
Alison
Hi
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
Indigofera frutescens looks very similar but has a smaller growth form, reaching a height of approximately 2m (Indigofera jacunda can grow to 7m). Nurseries sometimes confuse the two species.
Indigofera jacunda is fairly hardy so should be able to cope with your climate in Sea Point.
Flourish!
Glenice
Hi There
How is this different to the Indigofera Frutescens, which i grew very successfully in two different gardens in Johannesburg?
And will it cope with the salty sea air in Sea Point?
Hi Stephanie
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
You definitely know a lot more than me about the use of plant pigments. Please do try using Indigofera jacunda and share your results.
I’m not sure whether Indigofera erecta is commercially cultivated. However, some specialist indigenous nurseries in the Knysna/George area where it naturally occurs may have it.
Interestingly, it’s the larval host plant for the rare and endemic Brenton Blue butterfly.
All the best.
Flourish!
Glenice
Hi there, I love the blue & white effects of indigo dyeing and believe that one can use the local variety of the indigo plant, called indigofera erecta. Do you know whether this is correct and where I could find this plant in Cape Town?
Otherwise would indigofera jacunda do the trick?
Thanks
Hi Sabrina
Thanks for visiting our site.
Yes, the River Indigo can be planted in sandy soil. It would may be best to plant it in a semi-protected area to shield it from strong winds. It may also need to be staked for the first two years to allow it to root securely to withstand windy conditions.
Flourish!
Glenice
Hi Glenice
Absolutely love the website! Can the River Indigo be planted on sandy soil and in windy areas?
Thanks so much, Sabrina
Hi Karien
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
The root system of Indigofera jacunda is not aggressive.
Most trees will suffer from transplant shock when relocated. As the River Indigo is so fast-growing, perhaps you could consider getting another one for your new property, leaving a legacy for the new home owners to appreciate?
Flourish!
Glenice
Thank you for the useful information. Can you tell what type of root system it has? Is it aggresive and will it damage walls and paving? My River Indigo is about 2.8m tall. I planted it a big pot at first and transplanted it in the garden about a year ago. I am moving soon and wonder if I would be able to transplant it succesfully?
Hi Lorne
Thanks for your wonderful suggestion. It’s always interesting to hear about culinary uses of our indigenous plants.
Flourish!
Glenice
I use the wood sticks green or if it’s dry then I soak in water….to smoke chicken in my Weber. My recipe btw, rub chicken in olive oil, crushed garlic, some salt and black pepper. Way better flavour than white oak and pink birch wood! Will plant a forest once you’ve tried this. You can baste with a honey and mustard mix at the end but not even necessary!
Hi Val
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
I’m not sure whether your seeds are still viable, but it’s worth giving them a chance.
Put boiling water in a cup and soak them in this overnight.
Plant out in a well-drained soil mix 5mm below the surface.
Keep moist and if they are still viable you should see signs of growth in about 4 weeks.
Flourish!
Glenice
How do I grow Indigo seeds. Seeds have Been dry for nearly two years in a sealed envelope.
Hi Lizette
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
River indigos are generally trouble-free and very rewarding.
Try adding compost and an organic fertiliser to give it an extra boost.
Flourish!
Glenice
Hi Lizette
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
River indigos are generally very rewarding and trouble free.
As your soil is probably very sandy, consider adding extra compost to the soil around them and feed them with an organic fertiliser.
All the best.
Flourish!
Glenice
I planted 2 river indigo trees about 3 years ago ad it hasnt shown any growth. Still only a few branches , it does flower every now and then . I livee in nothern suburbs cape town . Wondering if it will grow here or what am i doing wrong
Hi Gardinia
Thanks for visiting our site.
The river indigo truly is a marvelous shrub and the flowers last for a lot longer than most other plants.
Enjoy the transformation as it grows.
Flourish!
Glenice
Hi fellow gardeners. I planted a river indigo shrub in April and must say I am very happy with its growth. It almost doubled in height and had its first flowers a while ago. I planted it in a 1 meter wide flowerbed in front of my stoep. My aim is to have a small tree that will provide dappled shadow onto my North facing very very hot stoep in summer yet allow more sun in winter. In years to come i will prune it to achieve a small tree shape and enjoy the goggos and birds that will visit my garden. Regards Gardinia
Hi Sally
You should be able to get it at most indigenous plant nurseries.
Flourish!
Glenice
Indigofera jacunda in Kzn ?
Hi Cathy
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
In our experience, the Indigofera jacunda can withstand frost. However, as an extra precaution, I’d recommend protecting the trunk of a young plant in the first two winters. This can be done with a frost guard fabric or thatching grass wrapped around the lower 1-1.5m of the trunk.
Flourish!
Glenice
How is indigo fear with frost?
Thanks, David
Definitely a typo and I’ve corrected it.
Flourish!
Glenice
… flowers are followed by seed pods 3-4m long. This seems excessive. Perhaps it should read 3-4cm long.
Hi Hans
There isn’t any data on poisoning of livestock with this species. It is a member of the pea family, which comprises a large number of palatable plants, so it is unlikely to have any harmful properties.
It self-seeds quite freely in gardens, but has not been classified as invasive.
Flourish!
Glenice
Any danger in grazing river indigo with smallstock eg sheep. Any danger of an invasive nature.
Hans v Rooyen
Needs pruning to fill it out. Great small tree.
Ian