|
Indigo Bush-False Indigo
Needs pruning in late winter or early spring to keep shaped. The False Indigo Bush, Amorpha fruticosa, is a somewhat leggy shrub, whose height can range from 6 to 20 feet tall,and 5 to 15 feet wide. This deciduous shrub does well in full sun and poor, sandy soil. This bush attracts butterflies. Useful as a large shrub or small tree in areas where there is plenty of water available. Fruit is a warty, kidney shaped pod, persisting into winter. Native from Connecticut to Minnesota, south to Louisiana and Florida. Flowers are 1/3-inch wide, purple-blue with orange anthers, on 3- to 6-inch upright spikes. Fragrant foliage has the compound pinnate leaves typical of the Pea family, often most bushy on the upper third of the shrub. ... more
Sweetshrub Another common name is hairy allspice which is in reference to the hairy twigs and leaf undersides of this plant. Prune immediately after flowering to shape or maintain compactness. Use as a specimen near front door, patio or other living areas where the fragrant flower aroma may be enjoyed. The Sweetshrub, Calycanthus floridus, or Carolina allspice is a dense, rounded deciduous shrub with a suckering habit which grows 6-9' tall with an equal or slightly greater spread. Flowers give way to brownish, urn-shaped fruits (seed capsules) which mature in fall and persist throughout the winter. It is utilized for shrub borders, foundations, and native plant areas. It is easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. |
