About
Amorpha canescens is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to about 100 cm tall. It features hairy, grey-white stems and aromatic, feathery leaves that range from 6 to 15 cm in length, consisting of 10 to 20 pairs of overlapping, oval-shaped leaflets. From late summer to early autumn, it produces tall spikes adorned with small flowers that vary in color from dark violet-purple to purple-blue, complemented by orange anthers.
About the genus
Amorpha consists of deciduous shrubs characterized by their pinnate foliage and clusters of small, single-petaled flowers that bloom in shades of deep purple or blue during the summer months.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Suckering, Columnar upright, Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Prairie planting
- Native to
- North America
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in light, sandy, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
- Pruning
- Pruning group 6
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. Sow pre-soaked or scarified seed in autumn in containers in an open frame. Separate rooted suckers in autumn or winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to rust diseases and powdery mildews