Peashrub

Caragana arborescens, Caragana frutex

Cultivars: 'Pendula', 'Lorbergii'

Peashrub is a tough, cold-hardy shrub used for windbreaks, hedges, and low-maintenance plantings where durability matters more than fussiness. In spring it produces bright yellow pea-like flowers that add an early burst of color, followed by fine-textured green foliage that gives it a light, airy appearance. It’s especially useful in exposed sites, along property lines, and in challenging soils where many ornamentals struggle. Because it is nitrogen-fixing, it can also perform well in lean soils and help stabilize plantings in harsher, drier areas.

Plant Characteristics
Genus
Caragana
Species
Caragana arborescens, Caragana frutex
Cultivar
‘Pendula’, ‘Lorbergii’
Family
Fabaceae
Plant Characteristics
Flowering
Plant Color
Green
Flower Color
Yellow
Bloom Time
Spring
Height
3-15'
Width
2-12'
Water Use
Low
Care Instructions

Peashrub grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It has low water needs once established and tolerates drought, wind, and alkaline conditions very well. Water consistently during establishment, then shift to deep, infrequent irrigation. Pruning is optional and mostly functional: prune in early spring to control size, maintain density for hedging, or remove older wood to rejuvenate an overgrown plant. Fall dieback cutback is not applicable, this is a woody shrub and should not be cut to the ground in fall. Winter protection is not necessary in Rocky Mountain climates, it is built for cold.