Kidney Vetch FLOWERS Seeds, a.K.a , Lady's Fingers [Red Carpet]

Anthyllis vulneraria ‘Coccinea’ — Kidney Vetch ‘Red Carpet’, also known as Lady’s Fingers — is a charming, low-growing perennial ground cover reaching just 6 inches in height, forming a dense mat of attractive bluish-green foliage covered with vivid orange-red flowers from late spring through late summer. One of the best butterfly-attracting ground covers available, and perfectly suited to rock gardens, sunny slopes, and dry, gravelly sites. Easy to establish from seed. USDA Zones 5–9.

Plant Highlights

• Vivid orange-red flowers on a 6-inch spreading mat of bluish-green foliage — late spring through late summer
• Outstanding butterfly attractor — one of its primary wildlife values
• Ideal for rock gardens, sunny ground cover, dry and gravelly sites
• Easy to establish from seed; unique appearance among ground covers
• USDA Zones 5–9

Sowing Guide

Indoor start: Sow indoors 6–8 weeks before the end of frost season.

Sowing depth: Do not cover seed — press firmly into the soil surface. Light is required for germination.

Germination: 14–28 days at 64–72°F. Keep seeds in constant moisture (moist, not wet) until germination.

Transplanting: Move young plants outdoors into well-drained, gravelly soil after all frost risk has passed. Space 16 inches apart.

Coverage: Approximately 3–4 seeds per cell; ~100 seeds covers 10 square feet.

Care Guide

Light: Full sun required.

Soil: Well-drained, gravelly, slightly alkaline; pH 6.5–7.5. Excellent drainage is essential — this plant thrives in conditions where many others struggle.

Maintenance: Very low once established. Cut back lightly after flowering to maintain a tidy habit.

Planting Specs

• Common name: Kidney Vetch, Lady’s Fingers, Red Carpet
• Botanical name: Anthyllis vulneraria ‘Coccinea’
• Type: Perennial ground cover
• Bloom: Orange-red | Bloom time: Late spring to late summer
• Height: 6 inches
• USDA Zones: 5–9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Well-drained, gravelly; pH 6.5–7.5
• Spacing: 16 inches | Germ: 14–28 days at 64–72°F | Surface sow — do not cover
• Coverage: ~100 seeds per 10 sq ft
• Attracts: Butterflies