Overview

Vicia unijuga is a climbing annual biennial in the genus Vicia, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Vicia unijuga 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 unijuga is a climbing member of the pea family (Fabaceae) treated as an annual or biennial in cultivation. It carries deciduous foliage and performs best in a south-facing, sheltered spot with neutral loam that drains well. It flowers from June to August. Suitable uses include ground cover and wildlife gardens.

About the genus

Vicia is a genus of over 240 species of flowering plants that are part of the legume family (Fabaceae), and which are commonly known as vetches. Vicia species are native to Eurasia, Africa, and the Americas.

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

In the garden

Vicia unijuga is a climbing legume grown as an annual or biennial and valued for its ability to scramble over low supports or spread as a seasonal cover. The plant has deciduous foliage and will die back after the growing season; flowering runs from June to August. Use its climbing habit where you need a temporary screen or where stems can trail across a low trellis. Choose a sunny, south-facing position that is sheltered from strong winds and provides a neutral, loamy soil with good drainage. As a climbing species it benefits from light support — canes, netting or a simple framework will guide growth and keep stems tidy. The UK hardiness rating H6 indicates it is very hardy, so established plants tolerate cold winters, but exposure control will reduce winter damage to stems in exposed sites. Vicia unijuga suits wildlife-focused areas and can form an effective seasonal ground cover in sunny borders. Trim or cut back the climbing stems once foliage has died down to clear the site for following planting or to encourage reseeding where desired.

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 unijuga 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 unijuga

Propagation

Seed, division

Pest resistance

Moderate

Disease resistance

Moderate

Frequently asked questions