About

Caragana halodendron is a sprawling shrub that typically grows to a height and width of about 2 meters. Its foliage consists of small, spiny leaves that exhibit a silvery-grey hue. During early to mid-summer, the plant produces small flowers resembling peas, which are purple-pink in color and appear along the branches. After flowering, the shrub develops inflated seed pods that mature to a brown color by autumn.

About the genus

Caragana consists of deciduous shrubs that often feature spines, characterized by their pinnate leaves. These plants bear solitary or clustered flowers, typically yellow, though some varieties may exhibit white or pink blooms. After flowering, they produce brown pods.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
1.5-2.5 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Coastal, Gravel garden, Cottage and informal garden
Native to
SE Russia to Mongolia and Pakistan

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in poor, sharply drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Will tolerate salty soil but not winter wet
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring, or by layering in summer or autumn, or take root cuttings in winter
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility