Hippocrepis emerus
scorpion senna
A bushy, rounded, deciduous shrub to 2m bearing bright green, pinnate foliage with small leaflets. Pale yellow flowers appear in small clusters from late spring to autumn, followed by thin, green seed pods up to 10cm long
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Yellow | Green | Green | |
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Hippocrepis are herbaceous perennials or shrubs, with pinnate leaves and yellow, pea-like flowers followed by long, narrow pods
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C & SE Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, sheltered from cold winds
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 1; leggy plants can be cut back almost to the base in spring to rejuvenate them
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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