Dorycnium hirsutum Frejorgues

Dorycnium hirsutum 'Frejorgues' is a selection of hairy dorycnium that is vigorous, with a more harmonious and denser growth than the species. It is a dense, spreading undershrub of Mediterranean origin, adorned with elegant silvery-grey, persistent foliage. In late spring or summer, it is covered with lots of small silky white-pink, nectar-rich flowers which form a light mass on the foliage. This plant is perfect for naturalising a wild garden, a slope, and various neglected spaces, especially in dry areas. It does not live very long, but it self-seeds abundantly in the garden.

Dorycnium hirsutum 'Frejorgues' was probably discovered in Fréjorgues, near Montpellier Méditerranée Airport. The species Dorycnium hirsutum, is an undershrub of the fabaceae family native to the Mediterranean basin. The variety 'Fréjorgues' quickly forms a small bush 50 cm (20in) tall and 60 to 80 cm (24 to 32in) wide, with dense, layered, and rather spreading growth. It bears small evergreen leaves composed of 3 silvery-grey leaflets, covered with small silky hairs that make it attractive all year round. Between May and July, depending on the climate, it is covered with small, nectar-rich, white-pink flowers with silvery reflections, matching its foliage. They emerge from the axils of the leaves, grouped in clusters of 5 to 9. It has the flowers typical of the pea family, with an upright banner, fused wings, and a shorter keel ending in a red tip. The flowers are followed by ovoid, elegant, bright purple pods, arranged in a star shape containing round seeds that are projected when ripe. The open pods have a shape similar to a rooster's foot. Hairy dorycnium does not live very long, especially in moist soil, but it readily self-seeds in dry and light soil.

Dorycnium hirsutum 'Frejorgues' is hardy to -12°C (10.4°F) and thrives in limestone, poor, well-drained soils, even those very dry in summer. It is also a good plant for coastal areas as it tolerates salt spray. This simple and delicate dorycnium enhances all its neighbours. Plant it on a sunny slope, in a raised border, or in a rockery, with smaller shrubby salvias, cistuses, Centranthus ruber, Euphorbia characias, teucriums  or lavenders. In a dry garden, it is a pioneering plant, ideal for quickly filling a scree or a rocky terrain.