Dorycnium hirsutum (Hairy Canary Clover)
Hairy Canary Clover, Lotus hirsutus
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.
Buy Dorycnium hirsutum (Hairy Canary Clover)
Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 10 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring Summer Fall |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Bees |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |
Peganum, Ettore Balocchi, Flickr, Iva Villi, F.Neidl, Shuttertock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 10 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring Summer Fall |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 24" – 36" (60cm – 90cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil |
Attracts | Bees |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |