Overview
Vicia hirsuta is a climbing annual biennial in the genus Vicia, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Vicia hirsuta grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include ground cover and wildlife gardens.
About
Vicia hirsuta (hairy tare) is a climbing, deciduous plant within the Fabaceae family. It thrives in full sun on a south-facing, sheltered aspect with well-drained, neutral loam soil. This cultivar is hardy to UK zone H6 and is best planted after the last frost in fertile soil. It is suitable for use as ground cover and in wildlife gardens, with interest primarily in spring. Propagation is achieved through seed or division.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Vicia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Vicia hirsuta size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Ground cover, wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Vicia hirsuta
- Propagation
- Seed, division
- Pest resistance
- Moderate
- Disease resistance
- Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Vicia hirsuta?
Vicia hirsuta prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Vicia hirsuta need?
Vicia hirsuta grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Vicia hirsuta hardy in the UK?
Vicia hirsuta has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Vicia hirsuta?
Seed, division.
More in the Vicia genus
- Vicia faba 'Honey'PBR
- Vicia faba 'Karmazyn'
- Vicia faba 'Stella'PBR
- Vicia faba 'Wizard'PBR
- Vicia unijuga
- Vicia venosa
- Vicia villosafodder vetch
- Vicia cracca subsp. incana