Overview

Astragalus frigidus is a herbaceous perennial herbaceous perennial in the genus Astragalus, part of the Fabaceae family, with pinnate leaves foliage. Astragalus frigidus grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ground cover, border edging and rock gardens.

About

Astragalus frigidus, the yellow alpine milkvetch or pallid milkvetch, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to subarctic and subalpine Eurasia. A perennial shrub 8 to 35 cm (3 to 14 in) tall, it is typically found in forests, meadows, and along riverbanks at elevations from 200 to 3,000 m (700 to 9,800 ft). In the garden it prefers full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). Suggested uses include ground cover, border edging and rock gardens. It tolerates neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Astragalus frigidus

About the genus

Astragalus is a large genus of over 3,000 species of herbs and small shrubs, belonging to the legume family Fabaceae and the subfamily Faboideae. It is the largest genus of plants in terms of described species. The genus is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Wikipedia contributors, "Astragalus (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0Astragalus (plant)

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Astragalus

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam
Soil pH
Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Astragalus frigidus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Herbaceous Perennial
Habit
Herbaceous perennial
Foliage
Pinnate leaves
Suggested uses
Ground cover, border edging, rock gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Astragalus frigidus

Propagation
Seed, division
Pest resistance
Resistant to aphids, scale insects
Disease resistance
Resistant to powdery mildew

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Astragalus frigidus?

Astragalus frigidus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Astragalus frigidus need?

Astragalus frigidus grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Astragalus frigidus hardy in the UK?

Astragalus frigidus has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.

How do I propagate Astragalus frigidus?

Seed, division.

More in the Astragalus genus

Browse all Astragalus