Australian indigo — Indigofera australis

Indigofera australis

Host plant for butterflies and insects Pollinator favourite Shelter for wildlife Showy flowers Resilient garden plant

$8.00

In stock and ready for local pickup or delivery

Pickup from Worongary or delivery across the Gold Coast and nearby areas. Delivery options are shown at checkout.

Plant profile

At a glance

The essentials for finding the right garden position.

Mature size: Height: 1–2.5 m · Width: 1–2 m
Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water: Moist
Soil: Loamy, Clay, Rocky
Drainage: Free-draining
Vegetation type: Dry Eucalypt, Wet Eucalypt
Plant lifespan: Short-lived perennial
Plant form: Shrubs

Plant ratings

A quick guide to this plant’s value for wildlife and the garden.

Bird food value
Host plant value
Pollinator value
Shelter & habitat value
Flower display
Garden resilience

About this plant

Australian indigo is a versatile native shrub with an attractive informal form and strong seasonal interest. Pink-purple pea flowers are followed by slender pods on an airy shrub. It fits naturally into mixed borders and habitat gardens where a less formal, more layered effect is wanted.

Image credits:
Mature image: Macleay Grass Man via Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 2.0
Feature image: Macleay Grass Man via Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 2.0

More plant details

Garden uses: Habitat shrub, informal screen, mixed native border and mid-storey planting; especially suited to sites reflecting Dry Eucalypt, Wet Eucalypt.
Wildlife value: Indigofera australis provides a useful seasonal flower resource for native bees and other insects. Indigofera australis is not primarily selected for bird food, although birds may still forage or perch in it. Indigofera australis provides useful shrub / small tree structure for cover, perching and movement through a layered garden.
Flowering and fruiting: Pink-purple pea flowers are followed by slender pods on an airy shrub.
Growth habit: Woody shrub or small tree with an informal native habit; indicative mature size 1–2.5 m × 1–2 m.
Cautions: Generally short lived; light pruning helps maintain a compact habit.