Overview
Vicia villosa is a climbing annual biennial in the genus Vicia, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Vicia villosa 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 villosa, commonly known as fodder vetch, is a climbing plant within the Vicia genus, which includes annuals and herbaceous perennials with tendril-tipped foliage. This deciduous species thrives in full sun on well-drained, neutral loam soil, ideally in a sheltered, south-facing aspect. It is hardy to UK zone H6 and is suitable for use as ground cover or in wildlife gardens. The plant flowers in spring and summer, and can be propagated by seed or division, preferring fertile soil with roots in shade.
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 villosa 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 villosa
- Propagation
- Seed, division
- Pest resistance
- Moderate
- Disease resistance
- Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Vicia villosa?
Vicia villosa prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Vicia villosa need?
Vicia villosa grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Vicia villosa hardy in the UK?
Vicia villosa 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 villosa?
Seed, division.
More in the Vicia genus
- Vicia faba 'Honey'PBR
- Vicia faba 'Karmazyn'
- Vicia faba 'Stella'PBR
- Vicia faba 'Wizard'PBR
- Vicia hirsutahairy tare
- Vicia unijuga
- Vicia venosa
- Vicia cracca subsp. incana