Lotus hirsutus aka Canary Clover

Lotus hirsutus is a small shrub from the Mediterranean region. It belongs to Fabaceae, the pea family. Gardeners also know it as hairy canary clover. Its older name, Dorycnium hirsutum, appears in garden references. Kew lists it as a plant of subtropical climates. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. This woody plant forms a low, rounded mound.

The RHS gives a garden height of 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Its spread falls within the same range. The shorter profile describes plants reaching about 2.6 feet [0.8 metres]. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. Small leaves have a soft covering of hairs. The foliage is semi-evergreen, so the plant retains some leaves year-round. Its bushy shape gives it a clear place in borders. Allow room for its width as well as its height.

Pale pink flowers grow in clusters during summer and autumn. Each bloom has the pea-like form linked with its family. Chicago Botanic Garden lists both pink and white flower colours. Its recorded flowering season runs from July through October. That source uses the older name confirmed by the RHS. The flower clusters sit against the plant's small, hairy leaves. Together, the foliage and flowers provide interest across the warmer months.

Grow this plant in full sun and soil that drains well. The RHS lists chalk, loam and sand as suitable soils. It accepts acid, neutral and alkaline soil conditions. Choose a sheltered spot facing south or west. Chicago Botanic Garden lists it for dry soil. The supplied RHS data also allows dry to moist conditions. The RHS rates its hardiness as H4. This covers minimum temperatures of about −10 to −5°C. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 8–10 for this species.

Use it in flower beds, borders or beside walls. The RHS also suggests coastal, courtyard and informal gardens. Chicago Botanic Garden reports resistance to deer. The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. Raise plants from seed in spring at 15°C. First soak the seeds in hot water for 24 hours. Another option is taking semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.