Spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa)
Care, watering, light and tips for Spiny restharrow on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 5 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Spiny restharrow
Ononis spinosa, commonly known as spiny restharrow, is a perennial subshrub from the Fabaceae family, characterized by its spiny stems and pink or purple flowers. It grows wild in pastures and wasteland, adding a rustic and natural touch to the landscape. It is ideal for low-maintenance gardens, rockeries, or as ground cover in dry, sunny areas, where its hardiness and summer flowering can be appreciated.
Native range
Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa.
Care tips
It thrives in full sun exposure and dry, well-drained, preferably calcareous soils, tolerating even poor conditions. Once established, watering should be minimal as it is highly drought-tolerant; overwatering can be detrimental. No regular pruning is required, but dead branches can be removed. A common mistake is attempting to grow it in wet or heavy soils, which hinders its development.
How to save a dying Spiny restharrow
- Warning signs
- Wilted or yellowing leaves, soft stems, lack of flowering or growth.
- First aid
- Check soil drainage and moisture. If waterlogged, carefully remove and let roots dry. If dry, water moderately.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is its worst enemy, rotting the roots. Also heavy, poorly drained soil.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. Good drainage and moderate watering are key to its recovery.