Securigera varia
crown vetch
A strong, vigorous, low-growing, spreading rhizomatous perennial legume to around 100cm in height, with trailing stems of green, pinnate foliage. Pink-white, pea-like flowers appear in neat circles on upright stems from May through to July. May become a nuisance if grown amongst other plants in a border, but a great choice for wildflower meadows or as cover for banks and slopes. Drought resistant, nitrogen-fixing and good for controlling soil erosion. A great pollinator plant, particularly for bees and depends on these in order to produce seed
Synonyms
Coronilla varia
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets: harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C & S Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows in most soils, particularly well-drained poor soils in full sun. A great plant for wildflowers meadows or for banks and slopes where coverage is required and also as a nitrogen-fixing green crop. However, it has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well amoungst other plants
Propagation
Propagate by seed or cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Banks and slopes
- Ground cover
Pruning
No pruning required but old or diseased growth can be removed in late winter to early spring and it can be cut back to control growth and encourage a bushy habit
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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