Perennial – Virginia Goats Rue

Virginia Goats Rue

Botanical name: tephrosia virginiana 

Beginner friendly?: moderate 

Average size at maturity: 1-2 ft in height and in spread 

Hardy zone: zones 4-8 

Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in first growing season 

Foliage color: green/gray 

Flower color: pink, white, purple 

Bloom time:  spring, summer 

Pruning instructions: deadhead as needed 

Propagation methods: propagate by seed sowing 

Landscape use: native garden beds, erosion control, pollinator garden 

Special features: attracts pollinators, deer resistant, drought tolerant

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2-4 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring as the plant comes out of dormancy 

Best time to plant: spring, summer 

Best type of soil:  loam, sand 

Companion plants: spotted beebalm, butterfly milkweed, little bluestem 

Toxicity level: mildly toxic if ingested by humans and pets 

Invasive species: no