Bushy Restharrow
ononis fruticosa
Also known as: ["Shrubby Restharrow"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to Europe and Asia, known for its spiny stems and yellow flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Ononis |
| Botanical Name: | Ononis fruticosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: border plantings or rock gardens in temperate regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging; avoid heavy clay soils unless amended.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with moderate fertility.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years to rejuvenate growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to stimulate new shoots.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily in cooler climates; reduce to 4–6 hours in hot climates to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot regions; place in dappled shade during peak summer heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid placing near reflective surfaces that intensify sunlight.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0); adaptable to a range of soil conditions.
Avoid compacted soil; ensure good aeration; amend with organic matter if soil is贫瘠.
Temperature
Prefers temperate conditions; ideal range 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in moderate temperatures.
Protect from frost in winter; shield from intense summer heat; maintain consistent temperatures to avoid shock.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly as Ononis fruticosa is not heavy feeder; apply fertilizer around the root zone, not directly on stems; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer yield best results.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity with a plastic cover.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is vigorous; avoid propagating during dormancy.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), indirect light, and consistent warmth (65–75°F) promote rooting.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; rooting hormone can enhance success.
Hormone
Recommended for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 4–6 weeks; new growth appears in 8–12 weeks; full establishment takes 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bags or propagator, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, sterile tools to prevent infection; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to promote denser growth; remove crossing or crowded stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased growth; best done after flowering or in early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for thicker stems), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools before use; prune during dry weather; make clean cuts just above buds or junctions; dispose of pruned material properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins; avoid repotting during dormancy or flowering.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water well after repotting; place in shaded area for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early in the morning; avoid overhead watering; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone to avoid wetting foliage; apply water slowly and deeply until it reaches the root ball; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and aerated.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf scorch in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf drop in prolonged cold; wilting in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolic processes; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in severe cold; roots are susceptible to frost damage in poorly drained soil.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base to insulate roots; move potted plants to sheltered locations; avoid overwatering in cold weather to prevent frozen soil.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may become stunted; increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity with misting or pebble trays; water deeply but less frequently to maintain root health.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilization; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if needed; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicOnonis fruticosa is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicOnonis fruticosa is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicOnonis fruticosa is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It has no known significant toxic effects on human physiology.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ononis fruticosa suitable for dry climates?
A: Yes, it is drought tolerant and thrives in dry conditions.
Q: Does Ononis fruticosa attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How difficult is it to grow Ononis fruticosa?
A: It has moderate care difficulty, requiring some attention but is not overly demanding.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
