Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom Plant Care
Erinacea anthyllis Link
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Erinacea anthyllis, the blue broom, hedgehog plant, or rushy kidney vetch, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. The sole species in genus Erinacea, it is native to stony mountainous places in the western Mediterranean, including the Pyrenees of France and Spain and Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom?
Water Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom Native To?
What Is the Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom?
Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom (Erinacea anthyllis) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Erinacea genus. Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom is native to stony mountainous places in the western Mediterranean, including the Pyrenees of France and Spain and Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom is also known as Hedgehog Broom.
Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom displays a vining, trailing plant growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom produces small, delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom?
Erinacea anthyllis requires watering every 7–10 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 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom Need?
Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom Prefer?
Erinacea anthyllis grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom?
Feed Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom every 6 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 6 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 Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom?
Repot annually in spring to refresh soil and provide space for growth. 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 Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom?
Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball.
Is the Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom, 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 Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom?
Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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 Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom Need?
Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom is native to stony mountainous places in the western Mediterranean, including the Pyrenees of France and Spain and Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. In cooler regions, grow Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom 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 Erinacea genus — compare its care with other Erinacea species on PlantoScan.
Erinacea is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom 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: Erinacea anthyllis Link, family Fabaceae (first published in Handbuch 2: 156 (1831)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mediterranean Hedgehog Broom, 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 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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