Ononis fruticosa — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Ononis fruticosa

Ononis Fruticosa

Updated · 357 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Ononis fruticosa, commonly known as the spiny restharrow, is a perennial shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Native to Europe and Asia, it thrives in dry, rocky habitats such as hillsides, meadows, and open woodlands. The plant can reach a height of up to one meter, featuring a woody stem with numerous branches covered in spines.

The leaves of Ononis fruticosa are small, alternate, and trifoliate, with oval-shaped leaflets that are green on top and silvery-grey on the underside. Its flowers, which bloom from May to August, are pink or purple and are arranged in clusters at the ends of branches.

For centuries, Ononis fruticosa has been used for medicinal purposes because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally, it has been used to treat respiratory problems such as coughs and bronchitis, as well as digestive issues like constipation.

Beyond its medicinal uses, Ononis fruticosa plays an important ecological role. It provides food for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and its deep roots help stabilize soil on steep slopes, preventing erosion.

In summary, Ononis fruticosa is a significant plant species both ecologically and medicinally. Its unique characteristics make it an interesting subject of study for botanists worldwide.

A note from PlantMom

Shrubby restharrow shows strong resistance to disease and is typically not prone to illness. In terms of care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs little watering, and larger plants usually do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they have finished blooming. Shrubby restharrowt is suitable for anyone with an outdoor space, such as a garden or deck, and does not require much care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Ononis Fruticosa.

Light

Shrubby restharrow is native to open habitats, such as sunlit meadows and forest margins, which provide abundant light. It does best in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, adjusting well to a range of light conditions.

Water

Shrubby restharrow thrives in dry conditions thanks to its exceptional drought tolerance, which allows it to maintain water balance even during periods of scarcity. Watering it every 2-3 weeks is sufficient, making it an excellent choice for container gardening where controlling moisture is crucial.

Temperature

Shrubby restharrow adapts well to temperature, tolerating high heat and wide temperature fluctuations. In hot conditions, attention should be paid to watering and providing suitable shade to avoid sunburn. Conversely, Shrubby restharrow is fairly sensitive to low temperatures. While it can endure some cold, extremely low temperatures may cause frost damage.

Fertilizer

The timing of fertilizing Shrubby restharrow is important. Fertilize in early spring and continue monthly through early summer. Fertilizer promotes attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant and active growth periods.

Pruning

Shrubby restharrow is a dense, bushy plant with pink flowers that thrives when pruned in early spring. To keep it healthy and looking its best, remove any dead branches and thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation. Additionally, trim any overgrown stems. These actions will promote vigorous growth, enhance flowering, and maintain the plant's overall health and appearance.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Ononis
Family
Fabaceae
Hardiness Zone
6-9
Mature Height
30 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
40 cm to 76 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
Pink, Violet
Flower Size
1.52 cm to 2.03 cm
Bloom Time
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall
Native Area
Morocco, Spain, Algeria, France
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Shrubby restharrow
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Shrubby restharrow?

To promote excellent root development, it is recommended to place a garden hose at the base of the plant. When watering, avoid directly spraying the leaves. If the plant is outdoors and exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves will need more water. Alternatively, you can use bubblers or soaker hoses to moisten the roots. When adding or removing plants, soaker hoses that cover the entire garden or bed can help push the roots deeply. After watering, ensure any excess water is drained and allow the soil to dry before watering again. To prevent diseases, it is best to water at ground level. On a sunny day, you can spray the entire bush with water. Whether the plant is in a pot or in the ground, it is important to remember that Shrubby restharrow prefers deep watering rather than light sprinkling.

What are the sunlight requirements for Shrubby Restharrow?

Shrubby restharrow thrives in environments with ample light, such as sunny meadows and forest edges. It needs full sun, which is above 6 hours of sunlight daily, but can also tolerate partial sun, referring to about 3-6 hours of sunlight. For indoor plants, when natural sunlight is not sufficient, artificial lighting is recommended. LED lights are beneficial as they can be customized to the plant's needs, with full sun plants requiring 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants 10-20W/sq ft of artificial light. The artificial light should be placed 12-36 inches above the plant for 8-12 hours per day to mimic natural sunlight conditions.

What should I do if I give Shrubby restharrow too much or too little water?

The Shrubby restharrow can show signs of overwatering, such as yellow leaves, leaf drop, and wilting. The plant may also appear dull and unhealthy, with mushy stems. To address these symptoms, it's recommended to adjust your watering schedule. However, wilting can also indicate under watering, with leaves becoming crispy and dry. When the soil is dry and a simple watering is insufficient, give the plant a thorough watering. While this will help the Shrubby restharrow recover, it may still show dryness and yellow leaves due to damaged roots. Once the plant returns to normal, the yellowing of leaves will cease. When growing the Shrubby restharrow indoors, always check the moisture levels in the pot and avoid overwatering. Look out for black spots, and if present, let the soil dry out by refraining from watering for a few days. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which may require transferring the plant to a new pot if discolored and slimy roots are visible. It's important to prevent root rot by avoiding excessively soggy soil. When planting the Shrubby restharrow outdoors, ensure that the soil is adequately moist, as excessively dry soil indicates underwatering. Providing adequate watering is necessary for the plant's recovery.

What are the key symptoms of inadequate lighting for Shrubby Restharrow?

Shrubby restharrow shows several symptoms when it's not receiving enough light. These include smaller new leaves, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slowed or halted new growth, and lighter-colored new leaves. Conditions like chlorosis, sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching also indicate problems related to excessive sunlight exposure or insufficient light, affecting the plant's photosynthesis and overall health.

How many times a week should I water my Shrubby restharrow?

The Shrubby restharrow prefers deep but infrequent watering, especially when planted in pots. Potted plants have limited water storage, so they dry out faster. In cold regions, water every 3 to 5 days, ideally in the morning when the soil is dry. Check the soil moisture by feeling the top 2-3 inches. If dry, give it a thorough watering. During hot days, check the moisture daily to prevent soil dehydration. In gardens, water once a week in hot climates. Do not water if there is already enough rainfall. Use mulch to conserve water for outdoor plants. Sandy soil requires more frequent watering, while clay soil can go 2-3 days without water. Keep track of watering dates to ensure plants don't wilt.

How can I alleviate lighting issues for Shrubby Restharrow?

To address lighting issues for Shrubby restharrow, indoor solutions include gradually moving plants to sunnier spots to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily or using artificial light for plants that are large or not easily movable. For outdoor plants, it's essential to adapt them to sunnier conditions gradually and avoid drastic changes in light intensity. Reducing obstructions or transplanting the plants to sunnier locations with good drainage can improve sunlight exposure. Note that parts of the plant affected by inadequate lighting may not recover, but new growth will be healthy after adjusting the light exposure.

How much water does my Shrubby restharrow need?

The Shrubby restharrow generally needs about a gallon of water on a regular schedule. For potted plants, water them deeply until you see water dripping from the bottom of the pot. Wait for the soil to dry before watering again. To determine the amount of water given in a week, use a water calculator or moisture meter. Water the plant generously during the flowering period, but allow the moisture to evaporate to prevent root rot. If the Shrubby restharrow is planted outdoors where there is sufficient rainfall, it may not need additional watering. When the plant is young or newly planted, ensure it receives 1-2 inches of rain per week. As the Shrubby restharrow continues to grow, it can rely solely on rainfall. Only water it fully during cooler times of the day when the weather is very hot or if there has been no rainfall for 2-3 weeks to avoid heat damage. Additional watering will be necessary during prolonged dry periods.

Do I need to change how often I water my Shrubby restharrow depending on the time of year or the weather?

The Shrubby restharrow needs rain when grown outdoors, but only in persistent dry weather should you water it. During the spring and fall growing seasons, the soil should be kept moist but not soggy, and alternating between dry and moist soil conditions will help it grow well. In the summer, hot weather can cause water to evaporate quickly, so if there is a lack of rainfall, you'll need to water more frequently to keep it moist. During winter, the Shrubby restharrow needs less water because it drops its leaves and goes dormant. You can use a well-draining but moisture-retentive soil mixture like terracotta to help the water evaporate faster. Once the Shrubby restharrow starts growing and goes dormant, you can stop watering altogether as it can rely on fall and winter rains to survive. After spring, you can cultivate the plant to encourage growth and blooming when the temperature warms up. It's important to ensure good drainage at all times, especially during winter, as this plant doesn't like excess water or drought when flowering. If the plant is in a pot, it has limited root growth, so keep it well-watered, especially in the summer. Provide adequate drainage to prevent cold and wet roots, especially if it's still growing. It's best to water the Shrubby restharrow thoroughly, making sure the entire root system receives a deep soak once or twice a week, depending on the weather. Avoid shallow sprinkles that reach the leaves, as they can lead to fungal growth and won't reach the roots. In the fall or winter, even during dormancy, don't let the plants dry out completely. Avoid excessive watering as well, as the plant doesn't like sitting in standing water for too long, which can be detrimental during winter. Applying mulch whenever possible can help reduce stress, conserve water, and promote healthy blooms.

What should I remember when I water my Shrubby restharrow in different seasons, climates, or during different growing periods?

When planting Shrubby restharrow in the ground, it typically relies on rainfall for water. However, if there is no rain for 2-3 weeks, you may need to water them deeply. It's best to water in the morning during summer to avoid stressing the roots with a large temperature difference. Avoid watering when it's very hot outside. Start mulching in the spring when the ground is not too cold. Newly planted shrubby restharrow plants are especially susceptible to lack of water. Once established, you can reduce watering, especially in the fall and winter if the soil retains moisture. Dry winds in these seasons can dry the plants out, increasing the risk of drought. Windy periods generally require more watering. Potted shrubby restharrow plants dry out faster, so they need more frequent watering. If you observe less blooming and dry leaves, it's a sign they need water. Watering potted plants can be more complex and should not involve leaving them sitting in water-filled containers. Overwatering in the fall can cause mottled or yellowish foliage. It's always important to avoid overwatering regardless of the climate or season. During the flowering months, you might want to increase watering frequency, but once the plants are fully grown, you can give them a break. Water them adequately every 3 to 5 days, but don't stick to a rigid schedule. Check soil moisture by sticking your finger in the pot or using a moisture meter. Be careful not to overwater or underwater, as this can lead to root rot and plant death.

Why is it necessary to water my Shrubby restharrow?

Watering the Shrubby restharrow is essential for delivering nutrients from the soil to the entire plant. To ensure the species remains healthy, it's important to understand the appropriate amount of water to provide. The watering needs will vary depending on the weather conditions in your area and the type of soil the plant is in. The Shrubby restharrow thrives in moist soil, but it cannot tolerate being waterlogged. When planting it in the ground, be sure to use enough mulch and avoid under-watering. To achieve optimal blooms when planting in a pot, water the plant until the base is moist. If the plant is primarily grown for its foliage, water it to a depth of 10 to 20 inches for continued growth. When it's raining, it's best to refrain from watering and allow the plant to absorb nutrients from the rainwater.

PLATES
Ononis fruticosa leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Ononis fruticosa leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Ononis fruticosa flower
PLATE 03 · flower
Ononis fruticosa flower
PLATE 04 · flower
Ononis fruticosa fruit
PLATE 05 · fruit
Ononis fruticosa fruit
PLATE 06 · fruit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

You might also like.