About
This semi-evergreen subshrub or woody-based perennial, to around 60cm high, with an upright habit and stiff, spiny stems. Small, oval to elliptic leaves are held in groups of three, and pea-like flowers in shades of pink, purple and blue are borne all along the stems in summer.
About the genus
A large genus of around 88 annual and perennial herbs and shrubs with hairy, toothed green trifoliate foliage and showy pink or yellow flowers. They are mainly found on wasteland, in wildflower meadows and are suited to alpine or rock gardens
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Shrubs
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a sunny spot in well-drained soil. Ideal for a sunny bank, rock or gravel garden, or a south-facing wall
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in containers in an open frame in autumn, or by softwood cuttings in early summer. Seeds may need scarifying. Plants can be short-lived so regular propagation is recommended
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free