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Amorpha nana

dwarf false indigo

A low-growing deciduous shrub with bright green, finely textured foliage. Leaves, 7.5cm (3 in) long, are made up of 6 to 15 pairs of oval leaflets. Produces spikes of honey-scented, purple flowers flecked with orange in early summer. Grows to approximately 60 x 60cm.

Synonyms
Amorpha microphylla
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Orange Green
Autumn Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Fabaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Amorpha are deciduous shrubs with pinnate leaves and racemes of tiny, single-petalled, deep purple or blue flowers in summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Central USA

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a sunny position in well drained loamy soil

Propagation

Propagate by pre-soaked seed in autumn or spring in containers in a cold frame

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Pruning group 6

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to rust diseases and powdery mildews

Get involved

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