About
Upright spikes of nectar-rich, pea-like pink-red flowers with darker striping appear from May to September, tending to sprawl and spread out amongst other plants if not supported. A bushy, hardy perennial wildflower to around 75cm in height, with green, pinnate foliage. A great pollinator plant for many varieties of bees and extremely drought tolerant, thriving on very poor soils, and nitrogen-fixing. An ideal addition to chalky wildlife meadows.
About the genus
Onobrychis comprises a group of plants, ranging from herbaceous perennials to shrubs or small trees. Species within the genus display a variety of growth habits and are cultivated for their decorative or practical qualities
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in free-draining, chalky soil in full sun. May take a year to establish. Great as part of a wildflower border or meadow planting scheme
PruningDeadhead to encourage fresh growth. Cut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed in spring or division of established clumps in early spring. See sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids and slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, sclerotinia disease and root and crown rots