Hermann's Kidney Vetch Plant Care
Anthyllis hermanniae L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Anthyllis hermanniae is a unique plant with distinctive silvery-grey leaves that are narrow and elongated, giving it an elegant appearance. Originating from the Mediterranean region, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in rocky, well-drained soils.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Hermann's Kidney Vetch?
Water Hermann's Kidney Vetch every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Hermann's Kidney Vetch Native To?
What Is the Hermann's Kidney Vetch?
Hermann's Kidney Vetch (Anthyllis hermanniae) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Anthyllis genus. Hermann's Kidney Vetch is native to Anatolia, Greece, the Balkans, and many Mediterranean islands, including Corsica.
Hermann's Kidney Vetch displays a low-growing, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Hermann's Kidney Vetch produces small, clustered yellow flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hermann's Kidney Vetch?
Anthyllis hermanniae requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Hermann's Kidney Vetch Need?
Hermann's Kidney Vetch thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hermann's Kidney Vetch Prefer?
Anthyllis hermanniae grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Hermann's Kidney Vetch prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hermann's Kidney Vetch?
Well-draining sandy soil with moderate fertility. Good drainage is essential for Hermann's Kidney Vetch to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hermann's Kidney Vetch?
Feed Hermann's Kidney Vetch every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Hermann's Kidney Vetch?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Hermann's Kidney Vetch?
Hermann's Kidney Vetch can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to common kidney vetch plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Hermann's Kidney Vetch Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hermann's Kidney Vetch, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Hermann's Kidney Vetch?
Hermann's Kidney Vetch 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Hermann's Kidney Vetch Need?
Hermann's Kidney Vetch grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Hermann's Kidney Vetch is native to Anatolia, Greece, the Balkans, and many Mediterranean islands, including Corsica.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Hermann's Kidney Vetch is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Anthyllis genus — compare its care with other Anthyllis species on PlantoScan.
Anthyllis is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Hermann's Kidney Vetch thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Anthyllis hermanniae L., family Fabaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 720 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hermann's Kidney Vetch, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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