Permascaping, by Homegrown Foods
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Silvery spreading foliage of trailing indigo bush

Native & adapted

Trailing indigo bush

Dalea greggii

Also known as Gregg dalea · Indigo bush

A silvery, low native legume that roots as it spreads, stabilizes hot slopes, and carries small purple flowers for desert pollinators.

Southwest nativePollinatorNitrogen fixerVery low water
Landscape layersGround cover
Mature size6–12 in. tall × 4–8 ft. wide
Climate fitUrban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b · Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b
Special categoriesPOLLINATOR ATTRACTING · NITROGEN FIXING
Hardiness guidanceGenerally hardy into the low teens once established

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Cold hardinessHardy here

Hardy to about 15°F. Phoenix frost won't hurt an established plant.

Leaves and wood: damaged below 15°F
Heat toleranceTakes full sun and heat

Built for full and reflected sun. A great pick for hot west slopes and spots next to pavement.

Sources: amwua.org

Right plant, right place

Will Trailing indigo bush grow at your Arizona property?

A strong choice for banks, medians, broad gravel beds, and the dry shoulder of basins. Give its stems room to run and do not crowd it against narrow walks.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b, Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b.

Light

Sun exposure

Full sun, including reflected heat.

Water

Irrigation

Very low after establishment. Occasional deep summer irrigation keeps growth fuller without sacrificing drought resilience.

Planting & stewardship

How to help Trailing indigo bush thrive

  1. 1

    Space for several feet of spread and avoid planting directly against curbs that demand constant edging.

  2. 2

    Water the original crown and several points across the developing mat during establishment.

  3. 3

    Cut back selectively if the center becomes woody; avoid routine tight shearing.

  4. 4

    Keep fast-growing weeds out until the mat closes.

Read the horticultural reference ↗

Keep exploring

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