About

This bushy, rounded, deciduous shrub to 2m bearing lime green, pinnate foliage with small leaflets. Pale yellow flowers appear in small clusters from late spring to autumn, followed by thin, green seed pods up to 10cm long.

About the genus

Hippocrepis are herbaceous perennials or shrubs, with pinnate leaves and yellow, pea-like flowers followed by long, narrow pods

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCoastal, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toC & SE Europe
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, sheltered from cold winds
PruningPruning group 1; leggy plants can be cut back almost to the base in spring to rejuvenate them
PropagationPropagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free