Vicia sepium
bush vetch
A scrambling perennial which climbs with leaf tendrils. The leaves have many pairs of green leaflets in a ladder-like arrangement, the last two of which are tendrils instead. The flowers are clusters of small lilac-blue pea-type flowers visitied by many pollinating insects. These then develop into pods of seeds. The roots have nodules which fix nitrogen from the air, so improve soil fertility
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Blue Purple | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing, Spreading branched
- Genus
Vicia are annuals, herbaceous perennials or climbers; leaves may be simple or divided into many small leaflets, often ending in a tendril. The yellow, purple, white or pink, pea-like flowers are produced in small clusters on the stem or in larger, upright sprays
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moist but well drained soil in a sun or semi-shade
Propagation
Propagate from seed sown outdoors, in sun or light shade, where it is to grow
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.