low milkvetch Plant Care

low milkvetch (Astragalus pauperculus) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Astragalus genus. low milkvetch is native to northern California.

low milkvetch displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. low milkvetch produces small pea-like flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted low milkvetch every 7–10 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.

low milkvetch thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Astragalus pauperculus tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. low milkvetch prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for low milkvetch to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed low milkvetch every 8 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 sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

low milkvetch is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

low milkvetch can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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 low milkvetch 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.

low milkvetch is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

low milkvetch can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aragallus acutirostris plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

low milkvetch is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers. 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.

low milkvetch grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. low milkvetch is native to northern California. In cooler regions, grow low milkvetch as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.