Arrowhead Rattlebox Plant Care

Arrowhead Rattlebox (Crotalaria sagittalis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Crotalaria genus. Arrowhead Rattlebox is native to the United States, Midwestern and Eastern states. Arrowhead Rattlebox is also known as Rattlebox, Crotalaria belizensis, Crotalaria bialata.

Arrowhead Rattlebox displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Arrowhead Rattlebox produces showy yellow, orange, or red pea-like flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Arrowhead Rattlebox 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.

Arrowhead Rattlebox thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Crotalaria sagittalis tolerates temperatures of 65–85°F. Arrowhead Rattlebox prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Arrowhead Rattlebox to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Arrowhead Rattlebox 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 sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Arrowhead Rattlebox is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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.

Arrowhead Rattlebox can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Arrowhead Rattlebox 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.

Arrowhead Rattlebox 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.

Arrowhead Rattlebox can be propagated through seeds.

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

Arrowhead Rattlebox is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, 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.

Arrowhead Rattlebox grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Arrowhead Rattlebox is native to the United States, Midwestern and Eastern states. In cooler regions, grow Arrowhead Rattlebox as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.