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Securigera varia (Crown vetch)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
0.5m
Max height
Max height
1m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Securigera varia
Other names
Crown vetch, Hive vine, Rose vetch, Rosy-flowered crown vetch, Coronilla varia, Purple crown vetch
Genus
Securigera Securigera
Species
S. varia - S. varia is a vigorous, trailing, deciduous perennial with pinnate leaves divided into oblong, dark green leaflets and pea-like, pink and white flowers form early summer into autumn.
Securigera varia is: Deciduous
Fragrance
Flowers are fragrant.
Habit
Trailing
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested. Toxic to horses, particularly when consumed in large amounts.
Flower
White, Pink in Summer; White, Pink in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Diseases
Generally disease free.
General care
Pruning
Prune to the base in autumn or spring. Trim as needed during the growing season to control spread. Considered an invasive species in some non-native areas. Remove promptly if an unwanted seedling occurs.
Propagation
Sow seed in situ as soon as ripe. Root semi-ripe cuttings in a frame in summer. Divide in early spring.
Propagation methods
Seed, Division, Semi-ripe cuttings
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Where to grow
Securigera varia (Crown vetch) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Ground Cover, Gravel, Drought Tolerant, Coastal, Banks and Slopes
Cultivation
Best in well-drained soil in sun. Tolerates a wide range of conditions. Highly invasive, often crowding out nearby plants. Suitable for bank stabilisation, cover crop, or green manure though its use is declining due to its aggressive and invasive nature in introduced areas. Fixes nitrogen in the soil.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Securigera varia
Other names
Crown vetch, Hive vine, Rose vetch, Rosy-flowered crown vetch, Coronilla varia, Purple crown vetch
Genus
Securigera Securigera
Species
S. varia - S. varia is a vigorous, trailing, deciduous perennial with pinnate leaves divided into oblong, dark green leaflets and pea-like, pink and white flowers form early summer into autumn.
Native to
Europe, Northern Africa, Southwestern Asia
Foliage
Deciduous
Fragrance
Flowers are fragrant.
Habit
Trailing
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested. Toxic to horses, particularly when consumed in large amounts.
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Colour
Flower
White, Pink in Summer; White, Pink in Autumn
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Diseases
Generally disease free.
General care
Pruning
Prune to the base in autumn or spring. Trim as needed during the growing season to control spread. Considered an invasive species in some non-native areas. Remove promptly if an unwanted seedling occurs.
Propagation
Sow seed in situ as soon as ripe. Root semi-ripe cuttings in a frame in summer. Divide in early spring.
Propagation methods
Seed, Division, Semi-ripe cuttings
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Securigera varia (Crown vetch) will reach a height of 0.5m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Ground Cover, Gravel, Drought Tolerant, Coastal, Banks and Slopes
Cultivation
Best in well-drained soil in sun. Tolerates a wide range of conditions. Highly invasive, often crowding out nearby plants. Suitable for bank stabilisation, cover crop, or green manure though its use is declining due to its aggressive and invasive nature in introduced areas. Fixes nitrogen in the soil.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
South, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | South, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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