Coronilla varia

Coronilla varia, also known as the variegated coronilla or changing coronilla, is wild plant in our flora that deserves a place in the garden. It is well adapted to most climates and undemanding, offering a long and delightful summer flowering made up of small crowns of flowers ranging from white to purplish pink, dominating a light foliage, cut into multiple small green leaflets. Charming and natural, this perennial finds a place in borders or countryside flower beds, in the sun or semi-shade, in any well-drained garden soil.

Coronilla varia (Synonym: Securigera varia) belongs to the fabaceae family, it is a close relative of clover, alfalfa and sainfoin. It is native to central and southern Europe, and western Asia to Iran. It is most often found on hillsides and in rather dry rocky places, on limestone or volcanic soil. It sometimes forms large, truly decorative colonies there.

This is a perennial herbaceous plant forming a spreading tuft of about 45 cm (17.7 in) in all directions on average. It develops from a creeping root, producing hollow, spreading or semi-erect stems. Its leaves are divided into 7 to 12 pairs of small oval and elongated leaflets plus one terminal leaflet, of a soft green-blue colour. The flowering, which lasts at least 2 months, takes place from May-June to August, earlier or later depending on the region. At the end of the stems, above the foliage, small umbels of 10 to 15 variegated pea flowers appear, ranging from white to pink and purple and measuring 1 cm (0.4 in). This flowering is pollinated by insects and then gives way to upright, slightly twisted pods with 4 angles, ending in a long beak. The seeds will germinate easily in light soil. The above-ground vegetation of this plant dries in winter. Note that all its parts contain the substance coronillin, which is toxic in high doses. It is therefore strongly advised not to consume this pretty plant. Like many plants in the fabaceae family, the variegated coronilla contributes to enriching and improving the soil in which it grows.

The variegated coronilla finds its place in wildflower beds or sunny borders, in a naturalistic or romantic setting. This wild plant pairs well with nepetas, baptisias, wild chamomiles, perennial delphiniums, and umbellifers like Ammi visnaga or the Baltic parsley (Cenolophium denudatum). On a slope, its association with perennial peas (Lathyrus latifolius) and blue-flowered damask flowers is absolutely superb. It can also be paired with white, pink, or mauve roses.