Vaillant's Fumitory (Fumaria vaillantii)

Vaillant's Fumitory

Fumaria vaillantii

Delicate spires of pink blooms soften shaded edges. Annual herbaceous wildflower; common name: Vaillant's Fumitory.

Partial sun
2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Thrives in partial to full shade; tolerates dappled sunlight, avoid intense midday direct sun which can scorch foliage
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Watering Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the root zone to dry out completely during active growth
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Temperature Prefers cool temperate conditions; avoid extreme heat above 28°C which can cause wilting
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Finely divided, fern-like blue-green foliage with a delicate texture
  • Flower: Tiny pink-purple spurred blooms arranged in dense, upright racemes
  • Stem: Slender, branching, trailing or low upright growth form
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist; water when the top 1cm of soil feels dry

Fertilization

Diluted organic liquid feed every 2 weeks. Use a balanced, low-strength organic feed to avoid over-fertilization

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid applying undiluted compost to prevent root burn
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower racemes to encourage extended blooming through early summer
  • Trim back leggy or yellowing stems to maintain a compact, tidy growth habit
  • Remove any damaged or diseased foliage promptly to prevent spread of pathogens
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Mildly toxic; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea

Humans: Mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities due to alkaloid content; may cause gastrointestinal irritation

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental ground cover for shaded garden areas; limited traditional medicinal use for digestive complaints