Indigofera kirilowii

Indigofera kirilowii, also known as Kirilov's indigo, is an underrated species. However, it is one of the hardiest and least demanding plants. In early summer, this sturdy little deciduous bush with a flexible and compact habit, is adorned with clusters of lilac-pink pea flowers. It is also a splendour in autum. Easy-going, it is content with well-drained, ordinary, even poor and mediocre soil, in a warm, sunny or semi-shaded exposure. Flowering and ornamental, it is used in beds, as a standalone, in groups, in large rockeries, or even in pots.

Originating from Manchuria (Northeast China), and Korea, Indigofera kirilowii is a small bush from the Fabaceae family that deserves a place in our gardens. In nature, it grows in thickets and grassy places, under difficult climates. It has a slow to moderate growth rate. Tall and wide at 1.2 to 1.5m (4 to 5ft), it displays an erect, but supple and light habit, slightly trailing under the weight of the flowers. Bright and vivid green deciduous leaves appear on slender and arched branches. They are cut into 7 to 11 leaflets 1 to 3cm (0.4 to 1in) long, slightly villous on each face. From May to July, it produces beautiful clusters of 12cm (5in) long. They are erect, composed of lilac-pink pea flowers, 1 to 2cm (0.4 to 1in) in diameter, and develop on the current year's shoots. At the end of the season, the bush turns a flamboyant orange-yellow. Hardy up to -20°C (-4°F). This small bush suckers weakly thanks to its rhizomatous root system, without ever becoming invasive.

Indigofera kirilowii is an excellent candidate for gardens with mediocre soil. It is also ideal on the edge of undergrowth where it will not struggle to make a place in the sun. It is magnificent when planted in a raised bed, or at the top of a wall where its flexible and flowering branches can trail. Plant it with Lespedeza thunbergii, which will take over in September, Amorpha fruticosa (a bit taller) or even Amorpha canescens which blooms as early as May. It can also be placed next to an evergreen and dark bush (Cotoneaster lacteus, Photinia 'Red Robin', laurel, Mahonia aquifolium) whose foliage will contrast with its coppery gold leaves. It can also be grown in a flowering hedge, with cotinus and spindle trees, or in a large pot.