Coronilla minima
Coronilla minima · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant coronilla minima: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, compound and finely divided
- Flowering
- April to June, bright yellow flowers in umbels
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm tall, 30 to 50 cm wide
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 5-9 (-15 to -20 °C)
- Origin
- Mediterranean region, Southern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, calcareous, poor to moderately fertile
Care
Exposure and planting
Dwarf Coronilla requires very sunny exposure for abundant flowering. It dislikes shade and overly humid areas. Plant it at the edge of a bed, on a slope or in a rock garden where it benefits from natural drainage.
Watering
Once well established, this species is very drought-resistant. Water moderately during planting and the first few weeks, then hardly at all. Absolutely avoid excess water which causes root rot.
Soil and composition
Prefer calcareous, stony or sandy soil that is very well-drained. Improve drainage by adding gravel or coarse sand if your soil is heavy. Poor soil is better than soil that is too rich.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy shape. Remove dead wood at the end of winter. Avoid severe pruning which weakens the plant; favour gentle interventions.
Fertilization
Undemanding, Dwarf Coronilla requires practically no fertilizer. A light annual application of compost in spring is more than enough. Excessive nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pests and diseases
This hardy plant is very rarely affected. Stay vigilant about stagnant moisture which can promote rot. Under normal conditions, no treatment is necessary.
Did you know?
Dwarf Coronilla owes its scientific name Coronilla to the Latin 'corona' (crown), as its yellow flowers are traditionally arranged in a radial crown formation. This small perennial herb was long used in Mediterranean gardens as a flowering ground cover and as a natural indicator of poor, stony soils, considered difficult for other species.
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.