Care of the climbing plant Crotalaria agatiflora or Canary bird bush |
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The genus Crotalaria, family Fabaceae, includes 700 species of shrubs, trees and herbaceous plants native to Africa and America. Some species are: Crotalaria agatiflora, Crotalaria capensis, Crotalaria saharae, Crotalaria socotrana, Crotalaria laburnifolia, Crotalaria verrucosa, Crotalaria exaltata. Common names: Canary bird bush, Birdflower. This species is native to eastern Africa. They are evergreen shrubs with a climbing habit (need supports) that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. They have trifoliate leaves with grayish-green oval leaflets. The curious and showy yellow flowers appear in long hanging clusters. They can bloom from spring to early fall. They are used as climbing plants on patios and balconies and to cover walls, pergolas and fences. Crotalaria agatiflora can grow in full sun or semi-shade exposure. In regions with a Mediterranean climate it prefers light shade in the central hours of the day. They resist frosts down to -6 ºC (21.2 ºF) but it is better that in winter the temperature does not drop below 4 ºC (39.2 ºF). They prefer well-drained, sandy soil that contains organic matter and a little clay. Water regularly so the soil does not dry out completely; wait until the surface part of the substrate has dried before watering. They appreciate a fertilization in autumn with compost or with manure. They tolerate light pruning after flowering. They are quite resistant plants to the most common pests and diseases. They propagate by seeds sown in spring in a sandy substrate. |
Images of the climbing plant Crotalaria agatiflora or Canary bird bush |
 Crotalaria agatiflora  Crotalaria agatiflora  Crotalaria agatiflora |