Restharrow (Ononis alopecuroides)

Restharrow

Ononis alopecuroides

It bears pea-like pink blooms atop hairy stems, a tough beauty for dry gardens. Herbaceous flowering perennial; common name: hairy restharrow.

Full sun
1–2/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Prefers full sun to partial sun; tolerates intense summer heat in dry climates
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Watering Allow top 2–3 cm of soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid waterlogging
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Temperature Tolerates mild frost down to 5°C; thrives in temperate to warm dry climates
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Densely hairy pinnate leaves with 3–5 oval leaflets, gray-green in color
  • Flower: Pea-shaped pink to pale purple blooms, clustered at stem axils
  • Stem: Erect, branching stems covered in fine, silvery hairs
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil slightly moist during active growth; avoid overwatering

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed every 4 weeks. Avoid over-fertilization to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms

Composted eggshell powder:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly around base and water in to boost soil alkalinity and calcium content
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flowers promptly to encourage extended blooming and prevent self-seeding
  • Thin crowded stems in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
  • Cut back stems to 5–10 cm above soil level in late autumn to promote vigorous new growth in spring
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA does not list this species, but ingestion may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea

Humans: Contains mild alkaloids; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental plant for rock gardens, dry borders, and Mediterranean-style landscapes