Scorpion Senna
Hippocrepis emerus · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around scorpion senna and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- April to June, bright yellow flowers in clusters
- Mature size
- 1 to 1.5 m tall, spreading habit
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Approximately -15 °C
- Origin
- Mediterranean regions and South-West Asia
- Soil type
- Well-drained, light, tolerates poor soils
Care
Sunlight
Plant your coronilla in full sun for abundant flowering. It also tolerates partial shade but will flower less profusely. Avoid overly shaded areas.
Watering
Water regularly after planting to establish the roots. Once established, the plant tolerates drought well. Space out watering in winter depending on natural rainfall.
Soil Preparation
Prepare well-drained soil, even stony or poor soil. Avoid overly compacted or excessively chalky soils. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Pruning and Maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy shape. Remove dead or damaged branches in late winter. Avoid severe pruning as it weakens the plant.
Fertilising
Apply balanced fertiliser in spring if the soil is very poor. Being a Fabaceae, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen itself and generally does not need frequent enrichment.
Pests and Diseases
Coronilla is generally robust. Watch for aphids in spring and treat if necessary. Powdery mildew can appear in cases of excessive humidity and poor ventilation.
Did you know?
The name 'Coronilla' comes from the Latin 'corona' (crown): its curved and overlapping pods resemble a small crown. This plant has long been used for ornamental purposes in Mediterranean and Oriental gardens, valued for its early and abundant flowering that announces the arrival of spring.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.