Stinking Bean Trefoil: complete guide

Overview

Stinking Bean Trefoil (Anagyris foetida L.) is a distinctive Mediterranean shrub from the Fabaceae family. With early yellow flowers and interesting seed pod formations, this plant brings character to garden design. The plant is notable for its strong, unpleasant fragrance, explaining its folk name.

Appearance and Bloom

This plant grows to 100-200 cm height with a low, branching shrub form. Leaves are trifoliate and display blue-green coloring. Flowers are bright yellow and appear in early spring, before many other plants bloom. Seed pods are flat and distinctive, first green then dark brown.

Ideal Location

Stinking Bean Trefoil thrives on sunny, warm sites with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. The plant is highly drought-tolerant and suited for hot, dry locations. Avoid shaded areas. A south-facing slope with good drainage is ideal. The plant tolerates wind well.

Soil

This plant grows in average to poor, well-draining soil. Stinking Bean Trefoil is undemanding regarding nutrients. Heavy clay soil requires improvement with sand. The plant can even grow on chalky soils. A pH of 6.5-8.0 is suitable.

Watering

Stinking Bean Trefoil is highly drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first year, then minimally. Mature plants tolerate extended dry periods. Avoid excessive water; the plant does not tolerate waterlogging. In very dry years, some support may help.

Pruning

Pruning can be performed after flowering to maintain shape. Remove dead branches in spring. Keep the natural shrub form largely intact. The plant can be cut back if it becomes too large.

Maintenance Calendar

Spring: Plant young shrubs. Remove dead wood. Summer: Water only in extreme drought. Fall: Harvest seed if desired. Winter: Hardy in temperate climate; protect in very cold areas.

Winter Hardiness

Stinking Bean Trefoil is moderately cold-hardy, surviving temperatures to about -10 degrees Celsius in protected locations. In very cold areas, mulching around the plant base helps. In temperate climates, the plant usually survives without special protection.

Companion Plants

Stinking Bean Trefoil combines with other drought-lovers like Lavender and Rosemary. Suitable for Mediterranean and xeriscape designs. Note: All plant parts are toxic if ingested.

Closing Remarks

Stinking Bean Trefoil is a distinctive Mediterranean shrub for dry, warm garden use. Despite its odor, it offers early yellow flowers and interesting appearance.

Find plants at: OBI, Hornbach, gardenworld.app/en