Coronilla Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Coronilla plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Crown Vetch, Scorpion Senna, & Sea-green: Cultivation & Garden Use

Coronilla plants are either half hardy or hardy perennials. Thye bloomr in the summer.

They carry flowers of white, pink, purple, or yellow that resemble peas. Plants have a shrub like appearance.

Other names for plants of the Coronilla genus include Crown Vetch, and Scorpion senna.

Coronilla varia
Coronilla varia by Matt Lavin.

How to Grow Crown Vetch and other Coronilla Plants

It is best to grow Crown Vetch outside, the seeds should be sown at a depth of 3 mm (1/8th inch). Locate into a well drained area of the garden that has good light.

The Coronilla seeds should first be chipped, then sown in the middle of spring. Ideally into a soil of pH 6.5 to 7.5.

Coronilla glauca
Coronilla glauca by Leonora Enking.

Caring for Coronilla

If you require more plants, then once established the perennial crown vetch can be divided in the spring.

Alternatively, if you prefer to take cuttings, then this can be done towards the end of autumn.

Plants of Coronilla should be cut back to the ground at the end of the growing season, this is at the end of autumn.

Coronilla Growing and Care Facts

Common Names: Crown Vetch, Scorpion Senna, Sea-green.
Life Cycle: Hardy perennial. Half hardy perennial.
Height: 20 to 40 inches (50 to 100 cm).
Native: Old World.
Family: Fabaceae.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 10.
Flowers: Summer.
Flower Details: Yellow, lemon, white, pink, purple. Variegated. Compact umbels. Pea-like. Fragrant in the day time.
Foliage: Grey. Blue-green.
Sow Outside: Surface 1/8 inch (3 mm). Middle of spring. Spacing 8 to 12 inches. Germination time: one month. First soak seeds overnight or chip them. If buying Coronilla seedlings from a nursery then transplant outdoors following the last frost or in autumn.
Sow Inside: Coronilla is best started outdoors.
Requirements: Full sunlight or light shade. Good drainage. Soil pH 6.5 to 7.5. Most soils. Can survive in dry soils; only water during very prolonged dry spells. Low nitrogen fertilizer. Hardy perennials can be cut back to the ground towards the end of autumn. Propagate: by taking cuttings to four inches (10 cm) in the autumn. Or by dividing in autumn in warm areas, or spring in cold areas.

Common Questions

How many members does the Coronilla genus have?

The Coronilla genus consists of approximately 20 species.

Do members of Coronilla make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Coronilla species, with their attractive clusters of yellow flowers, can be a vibrant addition to gardens or landscapes.

Which Coronilla species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Coronilla valentina, commonly known as the Mediterranean Crown Vetch, is a popular choice among gardeners.

Are members of the Coronilla plant genus fragrant?

Many Coronilla species, such as Coronilla valentina, have fragrant flowers that can add a pleasant scent to your garden.

What is the perfect location to grow Coronilla?

Coronilla plants enjoy full sun and well-drained soil. They're excellent for sunny borders or rock gardens.

Is Coronilla invasive in the USA?

Currently, Coronilla is not classified as invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Coronilla plants from my garden?

Coronilla can be removed by carefully digging up the plants and ensuring all root fragments are removed to prevent regrowth.

Summary

The Coronilla genus, part of the Fabaceae family, is native to Europe and North Africa. These perennial shrubs are known for their compound, evergreen leaves and clusters of small, fragrant, pea-like flowers in yellow or pink that bloom from spring to autumn.

To grow Coronilla, plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or divisions. Regular watering is necessary, but they are quite drought-tolerant once established. They are often used in borders or rock gardens for their attractive foliage and fragrant blooms.

I hope that you found this guide on how to grow Coronilla plants in your garden. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Wisteria sinensis, Baptisis plant, and Lupinus plants.