Amorpha canescens
lead plant
Deciduous spreading shrub producing hairy, grey-white shoots and feathery, grey-green aromatic leaves, 6-15cm long, made up of 10-20 pairs of overlapping, oval leaflets. Bears spikes, 15cm long, of small dark violet-purple or purplish blue flowers with orange anthers, from late summer to early autumn. Grows to about 1m x 1m.
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple Orange | Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Suckering, Columnar upright, Bushy
- Genus
Amorpha are deciduous shrubs with pinnate leaves and racemes of tiny, single-petalled, deep purple or blue flowers in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- North America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in light, sandy, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed. Sow pre-soaked or scarified seed in autumn in containers in an open frame. Separate rooted suckers in autumn or winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Prairie planting
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to rust diseases and powdery mildews
Get involved
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