The species of Ononis (rest-harrows of gardens), which are hardy in northern Michigan are mostly desirable plants, not alone because of their ease of culture, but for their summer-flowering habit and pleasing colors.
Most kinds should also be welcomed by gardeners in the United States because of their ability to get along on little moisture.
Of the 70 or more species mentioned in the literature, occurring naturally from the Canary Islands, through the Mediterranean to northern Europe, not more than a dozen seems to be in commerce. Those from the Canaries and some from southern Europe, such as O. aragonensis, were not hardy in this northern Michigan garden.
A few that were hardy were scarcely worthy of any gardener’s attention. With one exception, Ononis cenisia, all mentioned, are easily grown in any dry, Sunny situation.
Ononis Cenisia
The prize of the genus, in my estimation, is Ononis cenisia. It is also the only one that could be called even fairly difficult to grow. The experience here shows that it cannot stand our longest rainless periods without sonic attention, though an occasional soaking will carry it along.
Given good drainage, sunshine, and moisture enough to keep it from being- parched, it should keep going for years and put on an exhibition every summer to gladden the heart of its fortunate owner. The foot-long or shorter, prostrate stems are clothed with pretty legume leaves.
For a month or more, commencing usually by the middle of June, it decks itself out in a garment of bright pink pea flowers.
Ononis Hircina
According to many experienced rest-harrow lovers, the next in order of preference should be Ononis hircina, a 15” – 20” inch plant, with the general earmarks of the genus, including the characteristic pea flowers—this time with rose-pink wings and white keels. Its greatest value is a long blooming season, starting in May and continuing into August.
The habit of so many rest-harrows losing their bottom leaves during long periods of dry weather is especially noticeable in this plant. Although this tendency makes for unsightliness at times, it does not detract materially from the ultimate value of the species.
It is a splendid plant to the group in sunny borders, especially if it is underplanted with annual alyssum or something of similar habit.
Three of a Kind
For garden appraisal, three other hardy kinds, O. fruticosa, O. rotundifolia, and O. Spinosa, may be considered together, as they differ more in height of plant than in other characteristics. They all have the appearance of small shrubs, though all are herbaceous, at least this far North, and make annual growths a foot or two tall, according to kind, producing their bright rose-colored (whitish wings in O. fruticosa) in June and July. All are easily grown from seeds.
44659 by C. W. Wood