Photo of Hosackia crassifolius var. otayensis flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved.

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Hosackia crassifolius var. otayensis

Also Known As

  • Lotus crassifolius var. otayensis
  • Big Deervetch
  • Otay Mountain Lotus

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 9b-10b

More Options

Hosackia crassifolius var. otayensis plant details

Hosackia crassifolius var. otayensis is a broadleaf semi-evergreen shrub with blue and white foliage. In spring and summer purple and white flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and occasional water. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Hosackia crassifolius var. otayensis

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue and white
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: purple and white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, houseplant, long-blooming, rare, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Hosackia crassifolius var. otayensis

USDA Zones: 9b - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: occasional
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A spectacular small California native shrub with soft grey foliage & purple & white pea flowers in the early Spring to Summer. Its small stature (3' X 3') makes it an easy plant to fit into gardens. It will be happy in sun to part shade, but it does require well drained soil so if you garden in clay, resist the temptation to plant it in the ground. A great habitat plant for hummingbirds, but especially loved by butterflies. It is a rare plant in its Otay Mountain habitat & since it enjoys growing in disturbed soil, it is continuously threatened by road maintenance crews who pull it up as it readily appears next to roads.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Hosackia crassifolius var. otayensis plant

How to Grow Hosackia crassifolius var. otayensis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • white
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen
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