Lotus hirsutus, also known by the synonym Dorycnium hirsutum, common name: canary clover or hairy canary-clover, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae.
Hairy canary clover is disease-resistant and generally not prone to disease. Regarding care, the plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs little watering, and larger plants typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have bloomed. Hairy canary clover is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not require much gardening experience.
How to keep Dorycnium Hirsutum.
Light
The hairy canary clover performs best when exposed to abundant sunlight, which supports robust growth. Coming from regions with plentiful sun, it is adapted to bright environments. Insufficient light can stunt its growth, while excessive sun may scorch the plant.
Water
Hairy canary clover, a plant native to the Mediterranean, thrives in dry conditions and prefers well-drained soil. It should be watered conservatively, about every two weeks. During the cooler months, it needs minimal watering, but its requirements increase slightly during the growing season.
Temperature
Hairy canary clover is native to areas with mild to warm temperatures, preferring 59 to 95 °F (15 to 35 °C). When seasons change, adjust the growing conditions to mimic that native climate for optimal growth.
Fertilizer
Proper timing is essential for fertilizing Hairy canary clover. Start in early spring and continue monthly through early summer. Fertilizer encourages attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth periods.
Pruning
The Hairy Canary Clover is characterized by its silvery, hairy leaves and pink flowers. For optimal growth, prune the plant in early spring by removing any damaged branches and shaping it as desired. Cutting it back by one-third encourages new growth and more abundant blooms. Be sure to avoid heavy pruning after the summer. To keep your Hairy Canary Clover healthy and looking its best, always use clean, sharp tools.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Dorycnium
- Family
- Leguminosae
- Hardiness Zone
- 8-10
- Mature Height
- 20 cm to 49 cm
- Mature Spread
- 61 cm to 91 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Gray, Silver
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Pink, Purple
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 1.52 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Winter
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Hairy canary clover plant in the best way?
You can water your Hairy canary clover using any common watering tool, such as watering cans, hoses, or cups. It's important to water the plant directly on the soil, making sure to evenly moisten all areas to provide water to the entire root system. Using filtered water is recommended to avoid harmful particles from tap water. It's also best to use water that is at or slightly above room temperature, as extremely hot or cold water can shock the plant. However, the Hairy canary clover generally responds well to any type of water.
Why should I fertilize my Hairy canary clover?
Fertilizing your Hairy canary clover is important for a few reasons. Firstly, it helps the plant produce beautiful blooms. The best time to fertilize is in early spring, as this ensures excellent flowers during that season. Additionally, fertilizer provides the plant with energy that it can store in the ground during dormant growth phases. Applying extra nutrients in the fall planting process or late spring helps the plant store more energy to use when active growth resumes.
What are the sunlight requirements for Hairy Canary Clover?
Hairy Canary Clover (Dorycnium hirsutum) requires above 6 hours of sunlight daily to thrive best, indicating its preference for full sun conditions. This substantial exposure to sunlight promotes healthy growth, stemming from its adaptation to environments rich in sunlight. It's important to note that a lack of sufficient sunlight can hinder the plant's growth, whereas excessive sunlight may lead to scorching. Observing sunlight patterns in your garden can help identify the optimal balance of light and shade for planting.
What is the ideal temperature range for growing Hairy canary clover?
Hairy canary clover thrives in environments with mild to warm temperatures, preferring a range between 59 to 95 °F (15 to 35 °C). For optimal growth, it's important to modulate growing conditions to replicate this native climate, especially with a change in seasons. Although the plant has some cold tolerance, special care should be taken to protect it from temperatures below -5°C.
What should I do if I give my Hairy canary clover too much water or not enough?
When planting outdoor plants, especially new plants or seedlings, it's important to water them regularly for the first few months. This helps the roots establish and ensures they have enough moisture. Once established, these plants can rely on rain for their water needs. If you have potted Hairy canary clover, be careful not to overwater them. If you accidentally overwater, here's what you can do to fix the situation: 1. Stop watering the plant immediately to minimize the impact of overwatering. 2. Take the plant out of its pot and check the roots. If they show no signs of root rot, you can return the plant to its container. 3. If you find any signs of root rot, trim away the affected roots and consider using a fungicide to prevent further damage. 4. Repot the Hairy canary clover in well-draining soil. 5. If your Hairy canary clover is underwatered and its leaves are drooping, dry, and falling off, water it more frequently and the leaves will quickly regain their fullness. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly when you notice underwatering. Remember to take immediate action when you notice any issues with watering to ensure the health of your Hairy canary clover.
When should I fertilize my Hairy canary clover for best results?
To effectively fertilize Hairy canary clover, timing plays a crucial role. Applying fertilizer too early while the clover is still dormant will render it ineffective, as it will be washed away by rainwater and contribute to waste and pollution. Instead, the first application of fertilizer should be done in early spring, followed by monthly fertilization until early summer.
How can artificial lighting support the growth of Hairy Canary Clover indoors?
When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly during winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lighting becomes essential for the growth of indoor plants like Hairy Canary Clover. LED lights, being customizable to provide specific wavelengths of light needed by plants, are often recommended. For full sun plants, 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light is needed; for partial sun plants, 20-30W/sq ft; and for full shade plants, 10-20W/sq ft. Placing the light source 12-36 inches from the plant and ensuring 8-12 hours of light per day mimics natural sunlight conditions, supporting healthier and faster growth.
How to protect Hairy canary clover in temperatures below -5°C?
When temperatures are expected to drop below -5°C, it's necessary to take temporary measures to protect Hairy canary clover. This includes wrapping the plant with plastic film, fabric, or using other suitable materials for cold protection. Once the temperature rises again, these protective measures should be removed to avoid harming the plant.
How much water does my Hairy canary clover need?
Most outdoor plants can grow normally with rainfall, but if your area doesn't receive enough rain, you'll need to water them every 2 weeks in the spring and fall. In the summer, you'll need to water them more frequently. In the winter, when growth is slower and plants need less water, you can water them less. You may not need to water them at all during the winter. If you have a young or newly planted Hairy canary clover, you should water it more often to help it establish and grow. For potted plants, there are two main ways to determine how often to water your Hairy canary clover. The first is to set a schedule, but this may not work well because it doesn't consider the specific conditions of your growing environment. Another option is to water based on soil moisture, waiting until the top two to four inches of soil have dried out before watering again.
When is it best to not add fertilizer to my Hairy canary clover?
To ensure proper growth and flowering of Hairy canary clover, it is important to avoid using fertilizers with excessive nitrogen. These can result in an abundance of leaves but a lack of blooms. Instead, opt for a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content compared to other nutrients. Additionally, it is advisable not to fertilize Hairy canary clover after early autumn. Fertilizing during this time can promote excessive growth right before winter, which is not ideal. Moreover, refrain from fertilizing the plant during hot and dry periods, as dry soil does not effectively deliver nutrients compared to moist soil. This timing can also stimulate growth that requires more water, which may not be readily available. It is preferable to apply fertilizer earlier in the season when temperatures are cooler. Lastly, keep in mind that Hairy canary clover has the ability to absorb fertilizer applied to nearby plants or lawns. Hence, it is important to be cautious and avoid accidentally providing other plants, such as trees or shrubs, with a double-dose of fertilizer.
What are the signs of light deficiency in Hairy Canary Clover?
Signs of light deficiency in Hairy Canary Clover include smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or halted new growth, lighter-colored new leaves, chlorosis (yellowing of leaves due to chlorophyll breakdown), sunscald (damage from intense light exposure), leaf curling (to minimize water loss and damage), wilting (loss of turgor pressure), and leaf scorching (brown, crispy leaf edges). These symptoms indicate the plant's struggle with insufficient light conditions.
What are the symptoms of Hairy canary clover exposed to low temperatures?
Hairy canary clover has moderate tolerance to low temperatures, but it should be kept above -5°C during winter. Exposure to temperatures below -10°C may cause the leaves to droop. In mild cases, the leaves can recover, but in severe cases, they will wilt and eventually fall off. Protective actions, such as trimming frost-damaged parts and wrapping the plant with non-woven fabric or cloth, are recommended to shield the plant from cold damage and winds.