Utah sweetvetch (Hedysarum boreale)

Also known as: Northern Sweetvetch, Bear Root

Penstemon, also known as beardtongue, is a versatile flowering plant found extensively across North America and Canada. In Utah, it typically grows at elevations ranging from 1219 to 2438 meters. Due to its adaptability and drought resistance, Penstemon is a favored choice for xeriscaping.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Utah sweetvetch

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30 cm to 60 cm

Spread

50 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1.7 cm

Flower Color

Pink Purple Red

Images of Utah sweetvetch

Quickly Identify Utah sweetvetch

Identify Hedysarum boreale by its compound leaves, typically with 11-25 leaflets, and pink to purple pea-like flowers arranged in elongated clusters. The plant also features distinctive elongated seedpods with constricted segments.

Scientific Classification of Utah sweetvetch

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Fabales

Family

Legume

Genus

Sweetvetches

Species

Utah sweetvetch

Planting and Growing of Utah sweetvetch

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Utah sweetvetch?

Hedysarum boreale needs approximately 500ml of water per session. Water until the soil is thoroughly moist but not soggy. The soil should feel damp to touch without excess water pooling on the surface. Ensure the water reaches the root zone, promoting deeper root growth and overall plant health.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Utah sweetvetch? ›

What should I do if my Utah sweetvetch is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Utah sweetvetch? ›

How to save an overwatered Utah sweetvetch? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Utah sweetvetch?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Partial sun to full sun is ideal for Hedysarum boreale, facilitating optimal photosynthesis and encouraging lush growth and abundant flowering.

How much light does Hedysarum boreale need? ›

What if my plant does not get enough light? ›

Benefits of exposing the plant to ideal light conditions ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Utah sweetvetch?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

For optimal growth, Hedysarum boreale thrives best in a temperature range of 60 to 75°F. This ensures that the plant has the right conditions to perform metabolic activities efficiently and develop healthy foliage.

What Soil is Best for Utah sweetvetch?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Hedysarum boreale thrives in soil that offers excellent drainage. This condition prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases, ensuring the long-term health of the plant. This plant does well in moderately fertile soils, where nutrients are plentiful enough to support its growth and blooming needs, but not excessive so as to inhibit its hardy characteristics. Preferring a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, Hedysarum boreale stands out in environments where other plants might struggle, taking full advantage of the available minerals in such soils.

How to Fertilize Utah sweetvetch?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Hedysarum boreale, use a balanced liquid fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Dilute it to half the strength recommended on the label to avoid root burn. Apply about 250 ml for a medium-sized plant each time.

How to Prune Utah sweetvetch?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by inspecting the plant thoroughly and identify branches that are clearly dead or damaged. These should be pruned back to the nearest healthy bud or branch to prevent disease and stimulate healthy growth. Once the deadwood is cleared, focus on shaping. Aim for a balanced outline, removing any wayward branches that disrupt the natural form of the plant. This helps in promoting a dense, bushy appearance that can support more blooms. For optimal flowering, perform a light pruning after the first bloom in early summer. This encourages a second bloom cycle and keeps the plant tidy. Use this opportunity to shorten long vines and encourage a compact shape. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Utah sweetvetch plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Early summer,Autumn

Collect seeds from mature Hedysarum boreale pods once they turn brown. Clean and dry the seeds properly to prevent mold before storage or immediate sowing.

Choose healthy stems several inches long from the mature plant. Cut at an angle just below a node to enhance rooting chances. Remove lower leaves to minimize moisture loss.

Carefully dig up the root ball and divide it into multiple sections, ensuring each section has roots and shoots. Replant immediately to avoid desiccation.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Utah sweetvetch plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

The ideal time to repot Hedysarum boreale is when you notice its roots growing out of the drainage holes or the plant appears to be overcrowded in its current pot. Early spring is the best time, as it gives the plant the entire growing season to recover. Additionally, if the plant seems to be languishing despite regular care, a new pot and fresh soil might rejuvenate it.

Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, ideally one to two inches in diameter. This ensures enough space for root growth without overwhelming the plant. A pot with adequate drainage holes is essential to prevent waterlogged roots, which can lead to root rot. A terracotta pot can also help moderate soil moisture due to its porous nature.

A well-draining soil mix is crucial for Hedysarum boreale to prevent water accumulation. A blend of sandy or loamy soil, combined with perlite or coarse sand, provides good drainage. Such mixtures replicate the plant's natural habitat and contribute to healthier root growth and overall plant vitality.