HEDYSARUM (Hedys'arum)

DESCRIPTION: These perennials are natives of North Africa, Europe, temperate Asia and temperate America. A few are nice to grow in the garden, but most are more attractive in a wild setting. One of the prettiest for cultivation is H. coronarium, the French Honeysuckle. It grows up to 3 feet high and wide. Its mid-green leaves are divided into 3 to 5 pairs of elliptic to round leaflets. In early summer, stout stems shoot up and bear spikes of small, pea-like flowers colored reddish-purple or carmine-red. H. sibiricum is also an attractive plant with yellowish or purple flowers.

POTTING: Grow these plants in a warm, sheltered location, in well-drained soil, in full sun. They will flourish in deep, loamy soil, but will tolerate poor, rocky soil. In the spring, the previous season's growth should be cut back.

PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown in the fall or spring, they may be divided in the fall, or cuttings may be taken.

VARIETIES: H. coronarium; H. sibiricum; H. flavescens; H. grandiflorum; H. multijugum.

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