Dorycnium hirsutum (Hairy Canary Clover)

Native to the Mediterranean region, Dorycnium hirsutum (Hairy Canary Clover) is a low-growing, evergreen subshrub noted for its attractive, soft silvery-gray foliage and tiny white flowers adorned with pink touches. Blooming from late spring to early fall, clusters of 4 to 10 clover-like white flowers with pink veins appear at the branch tips. Attractive to bees, they are followed by interesting cylindrical reddish brown seed pods. The silver leaves, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), are sessile, alternate and quite fuzzy. Both the stems and the leaves are covered with fine hairs. Hairy Canary Clover is a great plant for softening the edge of a pathway, spilling over the front of a raised bed or cascading over the edges of a planter. It is perfect for the water-wise landscape where it can be used as a ground cover. Its quiet charm makes it a perfect complement to boldly colored flowers.

• Grows up to 1-2 ft. tall (30-60 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). This plant often self sows.
• Performs best in full sun in dry to mesic, neutral to slightly alkaline, well-drained soils. Very drought tolerant once established, this plant tolerates poor soils.
• Great for beds and borders, Mediterranean gardens, coastal gardens, rock gardens, slopes, containers, hanging baskets or as a ground cover.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Root rot may occur without adequate drainage. Aphids and mealy bugs may present the occasional problem. Deer and rabbit resistant.
• Cut back occasionally after blooming to flush out new foliage.
• Propagate by seed, stem cuttings or layering.
• Native to the Mediterranean Basin, from Portugal east through Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey and south to northern Africa.