Spiny Restharrow - Ononis spinosa – is a shrubby perennial that grows best in dry grassland and is well suited to chalk and limestone soils on sites where there is plenty of sunlight. In gardens Spiny Restharrow can also be grown on heavier soils such as clay or loams where plants will attract Bees, and provide useful food for caterpillars. Spiny Restharrow is a low growing species with soft pink flowers that appear from June to September. Spiny Restharrow looks best growing with other chalk and limestone plants that flower in early to mid summer such as Oxeye daisies, Greater Knapweed, Kidney Vetch, Meadow Cranesbill and Small Scabious.
SPINY RESTHARROW_Seeds
How to grow Spiny Restharrow Seeds
Spiny Restharrow seeds should be sown in spring or autumn, either outside, where they are to flower, or in seed trays and covered lightly with compost. Germination can be improved by lightly rubbing the seeds between 2 sheets of sandpaper. This is known as scarification and helps break down the seed’s tough outer shell. Spiny Restharrow seeds can be somewhat erratic to germinate but will do so when conditions are favourable. The seedlings, can then be pricked out and grown on, for planting out later in the yearType - perennial
Colour - Pink,
Height - 10 to 80 cms,
Flowers in June, July, August, September
Habitat - Chalk and Limestone Grassland,
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Caterpillar Food Plant