Senna artemisioides
Senna artemisioides · Fabaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around senna artemisioides and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, finely divided and very light
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer (February to May)
- Adult size
- 1.5 to 2.5 m in height and 1.5 to 2 m in width
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness (frost damage from -5°C)
- Origin
- Australia, arid and semi-arid regions
- Soil type
- Well-drained, poor to moderately fertile
Care
Exposure
Place the plant in full sun for generous flowering. It tolerates partial shade but flowers less abundantly. It thrives in a position sheltered from cold winds that can damage its fine foliage.
Watering
Water regularly and moderately during growth, especially in containers. Once established in the ground, it becomes very tolerant of drought. In winter, significantly reduce water supply, particularly in temperate climates.
Soil and drainage
Well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot. Slightly enrich the growing medium but the plant naturally prefers poor soils. A gravelly or sandy substrate is perfectly suitable.
Fertilizer
A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is generally sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which would promote lush foliage at the expense of flowering. Feeding should remain very limited for potted plants.
Pruning and shaping
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy form. Remove dead or diseased branches. Avoid severe pruning which heals poorly; the plant recovers better after gentle, progressive pruning.
Pests and diseases
In humid climates, watch for root rot related to excessive moisture. Spider mites can affect plants indoors or under warm shelter. Good air circulation and appropriate watering minimize these risks.
Did you know?
Senna artemisioides is one of many Australian Senna species, long classified under the Cassia genus. Its ultra-light and finely divided foliage offers dappled shade much appreciated in Mediterranean and arid gardens. Its golden-yellow flowers attract pollinators and visually mark the arrival of spring in Australia.
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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- Common PeaLathyrus oleraceus
- Honey locustGleditsia triacanthos
- Hairy greenweedGenista pilosa
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.