My favorite plant this week,
Dorycinium hirsutum, isn't flashy like last week's selection but as it performs exceptionally well under hot, dry conditions, it's one I value highly. I acquired my first plant early in 2011 because I liked the soft gray, fuzzy foliage and, based on the label, I thought it might do well in my dry garden. It grew, spread, and flowered with little attention and sparse irrigation. I was so impressed that I picked up 2 more this past January.
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| One of the newer acquisitions, not yet in bloom |
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| My oldest Dorycinium hirsutum, currently in bloom |
It's said to grow 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) tall and 2-3 (60 cm-1 meter) wide. My 3 year-old plant is somewhat shorter, yet nearly the projected breadth. It's currently covered in flowers, which the bees love. It's common name, Hairy Canary Clover, can be attributed to the clover-like white and pink flowers it produces.
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| Here's a closer look at the flowers |
It's native to Portugal and other areas within the Northern Mediterranean region. Despite its name it isn't indigenous to the Canary Islands, although apparently other varieties of
Dorycinium hail from those islands. Reports of its hardiness vary. San Marcos Growers contends that it's cold hardy to 15-20F (-9 to -6.7C). As my plants haven't been exposed to temperatures anywhere near those levels, I can't offer any personal testimonials as to its cold hardiness; however, I can tell you that the plant sailed through 2 heatwaves just this month, as well as extreme heat spells in 2011, 2012 and 2013 without any noticeable ill effects. All 3 of my plants are in an area with no automated irrigation. I provide water somewhat haphazardly, approximately every 4-6 weeks in the absence of rain (of which we've had very little this year).
After flowering, the plant produces a multitude of brown seedpods, which are easy to harvest. I tried sowing some last fall in the dry garden with no luck; however, in researching the plant for this post, I discovered that the seeds can take up to one year to germinate so maybe I'll get a plant out of them yet.
This heat and drought tolerant plant is my contribution this week to Loree's favorite plant meme at
danger garden. Please visit her
there to see her favorite this week.
