Care of the shrub Senna corymbosa or Argentine senna |
|
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 corymbosa, Senna artemisioides, Senna didymobotrya, Senna spectabilis, Senna multiglandulosa, Senna sturtii, Senna candolleana. Common names: Argentine senna, Buttercup bush, Tree senna, Texas flowery senna. This species is native to Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. They are semi-perennial or perennial shrubs (they lose leaves if it's very cold) and have a rounded bearing that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. The dark green, pinnate and alternate leaves are oval and have the peculiarity of folding in on themselves at night. The abundant and showy yellow 5-petal flowers bloom in summer and the first half of fall. They produce pod-shaped fruits. Argentine senna is used in bushy bushy groups, as isolated specimens and in pots as a small tree. It can grow in gardens by the sea. Senna corymbosa needs full sun exposure and warm temperatures. It resists frosts down to -8 ºC (17.6 ºF). Buttercup bush is a plant that adapt to any type of soil that is well drained, even calcareous soils. Water regularly but with little amount of water waiting for the soil to dry out; Tree senna is a drought resistant plant. Fertilize in fall with compost or manure. Prune in early spring 50 cm above the ground to maintain a more rounded appearance. Senna corymbosa can be attacked by aphids and mealybugs. Argentine senna is propagated from seeds sown in spring or by cuttings in summer. |
Images of the shrub Senna corymbosa or Argentine senna |
 Senna corymbosa  Senna corymbosa  Senna corymbosa |