Amorpha - False Indigo, Lead Plant

(Amor'pha)

DESCRIPTION: These hardy, deciduous shrubs are natives of North America and Mexico. They have feathery-looking, pinnate leaves and dense spikes of small, pea-like flowers that are ordinarily blue or violet. The flowers are borne at the ends of the shoots in July or August. A. fruticosa (False Indigo) is a medium-sized to large shrub with slender racemes of purplish-blue flowers. A. canescens (Lead Plant) has grayish foliage and purple flowers with yellow stamens.

POTTING: These shrubs can be grown in any well-drained soil in a sunny location. The previous year's shoots should be trimmed back before new growth begins in the spring.

PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown in the spring in sandy soil in a greenhouse or frame.

VARIETIES: A. fruticosa; A. canescens.

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