Anthyllis montana
Anthyllis montana · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant anthyllis montana: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen to semi-evergreen
- Flowering
- April to July
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (-15 °C)
- Origin
- Mountainous regions of the Mediterranean and Southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, dry to moderately dry, chalky or neutral
- Exposure
- Full sun
Care
Exposure
Place your Mountain Kidney Vetch in full sun for optimal growth and generous flowering. It tolerates exposed and airy situations very well. Avoid shade or partial shade, which reduce flowering.
Soil
This plant prefers well-drained, dry to moderately dry soils, preferably chalky or neutral. Improve drainage in heavy soil by adding sand or gravel. Avoid damp areas and overly rich soils.
Watering
Once established, Mountain Kidney Vetch is very water-efficient. Water moderately during the establishment phase (first year), then gradually reduce. In dry regions, occasional watering in summer is sufficient.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is necessary. Being a legume, it naturally fixes nitrogen from the soil. Overly rich soil would tend to favor foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch back the shoot tips after flowering to encourage new branching and a more compact shape. Light pruning in late winter helps rejuvenate the plant. This species does not require severe pruning.
Diseases and pests
Mountain Kidney Vetch is very hardy and rarely subject to disease. Simply avoid waterlogged soil and excessive watering that could lead to root rot.
Did you know?
Its Latin name, Anthyllis, comes from the Greek 'anthos' (flower) and 'phyllon' (leaf). The common name 'Kidney Vetch' recalls its historical use in traditional herbal medicine to promote wound healing: it was reputed to 'heal wounds,' although these ancient uses are no longer scientifically validated today.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.