Hippocrepis comosa
horseshoe vetch
A vigorous, creeping woody-based perennial, about 40cm tall, with mid-green leaves to 10cm long divided into leaflets, and bearing heads of up to 12 lemon-yellow flowers from late spring to late summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
AlkalineColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
Hippocrepis are herbaceous perennials or shrubs, with pinnate leaves and yellow, pea-like flowers followed by long, narrow pods
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in poor, well-drained, alkaline soil in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring or autumn, propagate by root cuttings of non-flowering shoots in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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