Species Lepage's Milk-Vetch
off-white flowers with olive buds, olive leaves and stems

Lepage's Milk-Vetch

Astragalus australis var. lepagei

Lepage's Milk-Vetch (Astragalus australis var. lepagei) is an attractive, rugged evergreen perennial. It is native to the dry hillsides of California and Oregon. Growing up to forty inches tall and twenty inches wide, it has pinnate, blue-green leaves and pearl-pink to pale lavender flowers. Lepage's Milk-Vetch is drought tolerant once established and is a good companion for rock gardens, as well as in meadow and prairie plantings. It is best grown in full sun and is well suited to replanting after fires. Not only attractive, it is an important source of forage for sheep and cattle.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Lepage's Milk-Vetch should be watered twice a week, providing the soil with 1 inch of water each time. Watering should occur in the early morning, before the heat of the day, so the water has a chance to be absorbed by the plant. Avoid overwatering, as the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. It is important to check the soil moisture of the Plant once a week, and adjust the schedule or amount of water provided accordingly.

sunlight

Lepage's Milk-Vetch should be grown in a spot that receives full sun for a minimum of 6 hours per day. If planted in an area that is too shady, it will not flower as abundantly or develop its full potential. During the summer months, the plant should receive full sun all day, while in the winter months, an area protected from strong winds will help the plant thrive. It is best to avoid shade from large trees or buildings as this can inhibit growth. Additionally, during hot summer days it may be beneficial to provide some shade to protect the plant from excessive heat.

pruning

Lepage's Milk-Vetch should be pruned annually in early spring to encourage healthy, robust growth. The best time to prune is after the plant is done flowering, typically in late April or early May. Start by removing any dead or damaged branches from the plant, which can be identified by discolored or wilted foliage. Next, prune away any branches that have grown too large and are shading other areas of the plant. Afterward, thin out the remaining foliage, taking care to shape the plant in such a way that exposes the foliage to adequate sunlight throughout the day. Finally, trim the foliage back to the desired shape and size, or to match the aesthetic of the garden.