Trailing Indigo

Plant Type: groundcover
Plant Height: 1-2 feet
Spread: 4-6 feet
Flower Color: purple
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Trailing Indigo (Dalea greggii): The Ideal Drought-Tolerant Groundcover for Arizona Landscapes

The Trailing Indigo (Dalea greggii), also known as Weeping Dalea, is a low-growing, drought-tolerant groundcover native to the Southwestern U.S. and Northern Mexico. Known for its weeping form, delicate purple flowers, and blue-green foliage, it’s an excellent choice for xeriscaping and water-efficient landscaping.

Key Features of Trailing Indigo

• Low-Growing & Spreading Habit: Forms a dense mat up to 1-2 feet tall and spreads 4-6 feet or more, ideal for covering large areas or slopes.
• Distinctive Foliage: Fine, blue-green to gray-green leaves with a fern-like appearance add a soft texture to the landscape.
• Seasonal Blooms: Produces clusters of small, purple flowers from spring through the growing season, attracting bees and butterflies to support local pollinators.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining soil; suitable for sandy or rocky desert soils.
• Water Needs: Extremely drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering, ideal for water-wise gardens.

Landscaping Uses

• Groundcover: Effective for erosion control on slopes, thanks to its spreading growth and root structure.
• Rock & Desert Gardens: Adds color and texture to succulent gardens, rock gardens, or as a cascading plant over walls and ledges.
• Pollinator Support: Flowers attract pollinators, contributing to biodiversity and ecological health in garden settings.

Maintenance Tips

• Minimal Watering: Needs very little water after establishment, making it a low-maintenance plant for arid environments.
• Pruning: Rarely necessary; however, light trimming can maintain shape and encourage fresh growth if desired.

Summary

Trailing Indigo (Dalea greggii) is a versatile, low-maintenance groundcover, perfect for water-saving landscapes in Arizona. Its combination of drought tolerance, fine-textured foliage, and seasonal blooms make it a valuable choice for creating sustainable and visually appealing landscapes. Whether used to control erosion, as a groundcover, or in a rock garden, this plant’s adaptability to desert conditions ensures it will thrive with minimal care, adding both beauty and ecological value.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Trailing Indigo

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart for optimal growth and spreading
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Trailing Indigo is a sprawling, low-growing plant that does not require support and will cascade over edges or containers

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Trailing Indigo is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 6-12 inches away from the base of the plant for even watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks