Can I prune it all the way to the ground?

It is better to prune it back in stages over two years. Cutting it to the ground all at once can stress the plant too much.

Is it normal for it to lose leaves at the bottom?

As the plant ages, the lower branches naturally become woody and lose leaves. Regular pruning helps hide this by encouraging new growth.

Why is my False indigo bush growing leggy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe how much direct sun the plant gets.
Check if the stems are reaching toward a specific direction.
Look at the base of the plant for new buds.

Likely causes

Lack of light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are stretching out and reaching toward the nearest light source. The plant looks sparse and weak.
What to do: Move the plant to a sunnier spot. If it is already in the sun, it may need to be cut back to encourage fuller, bushier growth.
Lack of pruning
Possible
How to tell: The plant is old and has grown very tall with no foliage near the base. It looks woody and unkempt.
What to do: Perform a rejuvenation prune in early spring. Cut the stems back by one third to half their length to force new growth lower down.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your false indigo bush

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Legginess is rarely fatal, but it makes the plant look unattractive. It is time to act if the plant is falling over under its own weight.

Stopping it coming back

Prune your shrub lightly every year after it flowers to maintain a compact shape.

False indigo bush: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your false indigo bush and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I prune it all the way to the ground?: It is better to prune it back in stages over two years. Cutting it to the ground all at once can stress the plant too much.
Is it normal for it to lose leaves at the bottom?: As the plant ages, the lower branches naturally become woody and lose leaves. Regular pruning helps hide this by encouraging new growth.

Why is my False indigo bush growing leggy?