Alysicarpus vaginalis Plant Care

Alysicarpus vaginalis (Alysicarpus vaginalis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Alysicarpus genus. Alysicarpus vaginalis is native to parts of Africa and Asia, and it has been introduced to other continents, such as Australia and the Americas.

Alysicarpus vaginalis displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Alysicarpus vaginalis produces small pea-like flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Alysicarpus vaginalis every 3–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Alysicarpus vaginalis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Alysicarpus vaginalis tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Alysicarpus vaginalis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Alysicarpus vaginalis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Alysicarpus vaginalis every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Alysicarpus vaginalis is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Alysicarpus vaginalis can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Alysicarpus vaginalis while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Alysicarpus vaginalis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Alysicarpus vaginalis can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to necklace alyssicarpus plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Alysicarpus vaginalis is susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Alysicarpus vaginalis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Alysicarpus vaginalis is native to parts of Africa and Asia, and it has been introduced to other continents, such as Australia and the Americas. In cooler regions, grow Alysicarpus vaginalis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.