Overview
Hedysarum is a plant with a perennial herb habit in the genus Hedysarum, part of the Fabaceae family, with feather-like leaflets foliage. Hedysarum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders and wildlife gardens.
About
Hedysarum is a perennial herb in the Fabaceae family, known for its feather-like leaflets. It thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect with fertile, well-drained loam soil that is moist and neutral in pH. Hardy to UK zone H4, this plant is suitable for borders and wildlife gardens. It is best propagated by seed, root cuttings, or division and provides seasonal interest during spring and summer.
About the genus
Hedysarum (sweetvetch) is a genus of the botanical family Fabaceae, consisting of about 200 species of annual or perennial herbs found in Asia, Europe, North Africa, and North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Hedysarum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hedysarum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hedysarum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Hedysarum size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Perennial herb
- Foliage
- Feather-like leaflets
- Suggested uses
- Borders, wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hedysarum
- Propagation
- Seed, root cuttings, division
- Pest resistance
- Resistant to most pests
- Disease resistance
- Resistant to most diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hedysarum?
Hedysarum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hedysarum need?
Hedysarum grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
Is Hedysarum hardy in the UK?
Hedysarum 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 Hedysarum?
Seed, root cuttings, division.
More in the Hedysarum genus
- Hedysarum alpinum
- Hedysarum coronariumSulla
- Hedysarum gmelinii
- Hedysarum microcalyxSweetvetch
- Hedysarum multijugumSweetvetch
- Hedysarum macedonicumSweetvetch