Lotus hirsutus

RHS Plant Profile

hairy canary clover

Synonyms

Dorycnium hirsutum

Shrubs

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A semi-evergreen sub-shrub of rounded habit, to 80cm tall, with small, softly hairy leaves and clusters of pale pink pea-flowers in summer and autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: West–facing or South–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H4

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Semi evergreen
Habit: Bushy
Genus: Lotus can be annuals, perennials, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, with simple or compound leaves and pea-like flowers that may be solitary or clustered
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: Mediterranean

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring at 15°C (59°F); soak first for 24 hours in hot water. Take semi-ripe cuttings in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
City and courtyard gardens
Coastal
Wall side borders
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Pruning group 9

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free