Vicia sativa
Common vetch, Spring vetch, Winter tares
- Height × spread
- 1.5m × 0.8m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a clambering annual that grows in grassy places and is found on banks and roadsides. It has reddish purple or pink flowers with noticeably darker wings. Flowers occur in ones or twos, and may be found from mid spring through to September. The longish matt leaves are coloured light green, just slightly offset from each other on the stems. In the past it was cultivated as a fodder crop, and as a result is widely naturalized.
- Flower colour
- Pink, Red
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 1.5m
- Spread
- 0.8m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Bee attraction, Butterfly attraction
- Walls
- South, West facing
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.