Senna artemisioides or Feathery cassia

Care of the shrub Senna artemisioides or Feathery cassia

The genus Senna, family Fabaceae, comprises 250 species of shrubs and trees native to temperate regions of all continents (especially South America and Australia). Many species of the genus Cassia are included in this genus. Some species are: Senna artemisioides, Senna didymobotrya, Senna spectabilis, Senna multiglandulosa, Senna sturtii, Senna candolleana, Senna corymbosa.

Common names: Wormwood senna, Silver cassia, Silver senna, Feathery cassia. This species is native to Australia.

They are perennial shrubs with a rounded shape that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. They have white-haired stems and gray-green pinnate leaves. Their abundant and showy fragrant flowers of intense yellow color that appear in terminal clusters are interesting plants. They bloom during winter and spring. They produce pod-shaped fruits.

Feathery cassia is used to form bushy groups, as isolated specimens and on terraces in pots at least 70 cm (2.29 feet) deep. It's ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens.

Senna artemisioides needs full sun exposure and protected from the wind; it can grow in semi-shade but will produce fewer flowers. It resists high temperatures and occasional frosts.

The soil must be very well drained; use a mixture of normal garden soil with 1/3 of coarse sand; Place gravel at the bottom of the pot or hole where it is planted. The planting is done in spring.

Water moderately all year round (once a week); Wormwood senna is a plant that resists drought very well.

Prune after flowering to maintain a compact appearance.

Senna artemisioides is a plant resistant to pests and diseases but sensitive to excess water.

Silver cassia is propagated from seeds (previously introduced in boiling water) sown in spring and from cuttings in summer.