Overview

Psoralea onobrychis is a plant with a perennial, evergreen shrub habit in the genus Psoralea, part of the Fabaceae family, with small, scale-like, downy or hairy leaves foliage. Psoralea onobrychis grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include borders and specimen planting.

About

Psoralea onobrychis, commonly known as holy hay, is a perennial evergreen shrub belonging to the Fabaceae family. It features small, scale-like, downy or hairy leaves and thrives best in full sun with a south-facing, sheltered aspect. This cultivar prefers fertile, well-drained loam soil that is neutral in pH and maintains light, moist conditions. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for borders and specimen planting, with interest primarily in spring and summer. Propagation can be achieved through seed or cuttings.

About the genus

Psoralea is a genus in the legume family (Fabaceae) with 121 species of shrubs, trees, and herbs native to southern and eastern Africa, ranging from Kenya to South Africa. In South Africa they are commonly referred to as fountainbush (English); fonteinbos, bloukeur, or penwortel (Afrikaans); and umHlonishwa (Zulu).

Wikipedia contributors, "Psoralea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Psoralea

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Psoralea

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Light, moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Psoralea onobrychis size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Perennial, evergreen shrub

Foliage

Small, scale-like, downy or hairy leaves

Suggested uses

Borders, specimen planting

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Psoralea onobrychis

Propagation

Seed, cuttings

Pest resistance

Generally pest-resistant

Disease resistance

Generally disease-resistant

Frequently asked questions