Overview:
Ononis repens, commonly known as creeping restharrow, is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Fabaceae family. It is native to Europe and western Asia, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world as an ornamental plant.
General Appearance:
The creeping restharrow has a sprawling growth habit and can grow up to 50 cm in height. It has a woody stem that is covered in fine hairs and branches out near the base of the plant. The leaves are pinnate and are composed of up to 15 leaflets that are arranged alternately. The flowers are pinkish-purple in color and bloom in the summer months, forming clusters at the tips of the stems.
Common Names:
Creeping restharrow is also commonly known as wild liquorice, cammock, and rattleweed. These names are derived from the plant's traditional use as a medicinal herb.
Uses:
The roots and leaves of Ononis repens have been used for traditional medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. The plant was believed to have diuretic, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties, and was used to treat various ailments such as arthritis, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections. Nowadays, the plant is not commonly used for medicinal purposes, but it is still cultivated for ornamental use in gardens and landscaping, and is also used as a green manure crop to improve soil fertility.
Light Requirements
The Ononis repens plant requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. However, it can also tolerate partial shade in warmer climates but may not bloom as frequently as those exposed to full sun.
Temperature Requirements
The Ononis repens is typically found in warm, Mediterranean climates. It thrives in a temperature range between 60°F (15°C) and 80°F (27°C). The plant can survive in a region with a range between 30°F (-1°C) and 90°F (32°C). But it may not bloom as vigorously in temperatures outside of its ideal range.
Soil Requirements
The plant has a preference for well-draining, sandy to loamy soils with a pH range between 6.0-7.5. The plant can tolerate slightly alkaline soils, but it may not grow its best. Additionally, Ononis repens can withstand periods of drought, so long as there's a well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging.
Cultivation methods for Ononis Repens
Ononis repens, commonly known as creeping restharrow, is a hardy, herbaceous perennial that grows in well-drained soil. It prefers full sun to partial shade and will thrive in most soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.
To propagate the plant, you can sow seeds indoors or outdoors in the spring. Alternatively, you can propagate the plant through root division or stem cuttings. Make sure to plant the seeds or cuttings at a depth equal to their size and maintain a distance of at least 30 centimeters between plants.
Watering Needs
Ononis repens requires moderate watering. Water the plant regularly but make sure not to overwater it, as it can lead to root rot. The plant can tolerate drought conditions, but it's essential to keep the soil moist during the first year of growth.
Fertilization
The creeping restharrow doesn't require heavy feeding, but it requires fertilization to maintain its growth. You can use a general-purpose fertilizer once a year in early spring or use a slow-release fertilizer with equal concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid over-fertilization, which can lead to weak growth and susceptibility to diseases.
Pruning
Ononis repens doesn't require much maintenance pruning, but you can prune the plant in early spring to encourage bushier growth. Cut back any damaged or dead stems, and remove any overcrowded or diseased branches. You can also shear back the plant after flowering to promote new growth and keep the plant tidy.
Propagation of Ononis repens
Ononis repens, commonly known as creeping restharrow, is a low-growing, perennial plant that produces beautiful pink and white flowers. Propagation of this plant can be accomplished through several methods:
Propagation through seeds
The easiest method of propagating Ononis repens is through seeds. Seeds could be sown in the early spring as soon as the soil is workable. The seeds should be sown at a depth of ¼ inch and should be spaced about 1 inch apart. The soil should be moist but not saturated and the seeds will germinate within 7 to 14 days.
Propagation through root cuttings
Ononis repens can also be propagated through root cuttings. In the spring, select a healthy stem and cut a 3-inch section from the tip of the stem with a clean, sharp knife. The leafy top should be removed, leaving only a 1-inch stem section with a white root. Place the cut end of the stem section in a pot of sterile mixture of peat moss, sand and perlite. Then water the mixture thoroughly and keep the pot humid by covering it with polythene and put it in the bright but indirect sunlight.
Propagation through division
An additional method of propagating Ononis repens is through division. This method is best done in early spring, after the plant has gone through a winter rest period. Dig up the entire plant and gently separate the root cluster into 4-inch sections, each with its own set of roots. Transplant each divided plant into a fresh pot of soil and water well. The potted plants should be kept in the shade for a few days after division.
Disease Management
Ononis repens, commonly known as Restharrow, is prone to several diseases that can severely affect its growth and health. Some of the most common diseases that affect Ononis repens include:
- Root Rot: This disease is caused by a fungal infection that affects the roots of the plant. It can cause the roots to become discolored, mushy, and eventually die. To manage root rot, it is recommended to avoid overwatering the plant, ensure proper drainage, and maintain soil pH levels between 5.5 and 6.5.
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. It appears as a powdery white substance on the surface of the leaves. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to keep the plant foliage dry, prune affected leaves, and apply a fungicide.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, Ononis repens is also susceptible to several pests that can cause damage to the plant. Some of the most common pests that affect Ononis repens include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant sap and can cause yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, it is recommended to spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them, apply an insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introduce natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings.
- Cutworms: Cutworms are caterpillars that feed on the stem of the plant and can sever it completely, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage cutworms, it is recommended to handpick the caterpillars, apply a biological control like Bacillus thuringiensis, or use collars around the plant stem to prevent the cutworms from reaching the plant.
