Sainfoin Plug Plants Onobrychis viciifolia
Common names include holy hay.
A beautiful perennial legume with slender spikes of soft pink, pea-like flowers that bloom from June to August. Sainfoin is a superb nectar source, attracting bees, butterflies, and a wide range of pollinators. Its deep roots help improve soil structure, and as a nitrogen-fixer, it enhances soil fertility—making it ideal for sustainable and wildlife-friendly planting.
Preferring dry, calcareous soils and full sun, sainfoin thrives in meadows, pasture mixes, and naturalistic planting schemes. Historically valued as a forage crop for its nutritious, non-bloating qualities for livestock, it also adds delicate colour and biodiversity to wildflower areas.
Our robust plug plants are grown in 40cc cell trays and are ready for planting straight into their final position.
Sourced from UK-grown native stock, these plugs are an easy way to establish this wildlife-friendly wildflower where seed germination may be unreliable.
We recommend planting 5–7 plugs per square metre for the best effect.
| Binomial Name | Onobrychis viciifolia |
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Colour | Pink |
| Height | 60-100cm |
| Soil Type | •Chalky •Sandy •Loam •Well-draining •Dry |
| Habitat | •Grassland •Dry banks •Field margins |
| Sunlight | ✔Full sun |
| Best Time to Plant | •March •April •May •June •September •October |
| Flowering Season | •June •July •August •September |
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