Date:
Strobilanthes, Chinese Rain Bell
- a source of Blue, Green, and Purple...
by Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats
...Spectacular, elegant, fountain-like small shrub, featuring thin
arching branches covered with pink bell flowers from Fall throughout Winter and
Spring. And yet is has a rich history of use: extensive medicinal properties as
well as a source of the famous dye Assam Indigo. The leaves and stems
contain indican, used in production of the classic Blue Indigo Dye. A dark Blue dye is obtained
from the twigs. It is combined with Turmeric (Curcuma longa) to make Green, and with Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) to make Purple...
...Cold hardy, compact, yet fast growing and easy, it makes a wonderful container specimen even for beginners...
