How to Grow Amorpha Nana

Native to the western United States, false indigo (Amorpha nana) is a low-growing, woody shrub. It has feathery leaves that give it the appearance of floating in the landscape. Spiky bluish-purple flowers bloom in late spring and early summer. False indigo grows 8 to 12 feet tall and spreads 6 to 10 feet wide. It has a fibrous, spreading root system suitable for erosion control. Amorpha nana makes a good addition to a prairie garden or xeriscape. It tolerates drought well and is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 4 through 6, and at elevations from 3,500 to 4,500 feet.

Shovel
Wood chips or shredded bark
Compost
Pruning clipper

Instructions

- 1
  Pick a spot in full sun to partial shade with dry to moderately dry soil. It will grow well in regular garden loam or clay soil.
- 2
  Dig a planting hole slightly larger than the root ball. Carefully put the root ball of the transplant into the planting hole and fill it up with the soil removed when digging.
- 3
  Water in the newly planted shrub with a slow-running hose placed near the base of the plant. Let the hose run for 60 to 90 minutes. Water the shrub weekly for its first year in your landscape. This will help it develop a strong root system.
- 4
  Mulch the soil around the planting site with an organic mulch, such as shredded bark or wood chips. Put down a layer of mulch 4 to 6 inches thick in a circle about 18 inches in diameter, centered on the shrub.
- 5
  Top-dress with compost annually in spring. Pull back the mulch. Put down a 1- to 2-inch layer of compost on top of the soil around the base of the plant. Replace the mulch.
- 6
  Prune immediately after false indigo finishes blooming in mid to late summer. Remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as broken or badly-placed branches. Cut off any branch that detracts from the natural shape and size of the shrub.

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