Desmodium elegans
elegant tick clover
A deciduous subshrub with ternate leaves and panicles or racemes of small rosy-pink pea-flowers in late summer and autumn
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Desmodium can be herbaceous perennials or deciduous shrubs or subshrubs, with pinnate or palmate leaves and loose racemes of small, pea-like pink or white flowers in late summer and autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China Himalaya
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows well in most soils but in colder areas may require protection from frosts and cold drying winds
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn or take softwood cuttings in late spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.