Swainsona formosa (Desert Pea, Glory Pea)


Michael's Opinion

Swainsona formosa is South Australia's "State Flower".

Botanical Information

FamilyPapilionaceae
GenusSwainsona
Speciesformosa
CategoryAnnuals
TypeVine
OriginSouthern Australia.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone12
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season preotection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1b
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)13
Temperature (°F)53
Height0.5 m
Spread2 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJanuary, February, March, July, August, September, October, November, December

Description and Growing Information

ID CharacteristicA creeping annual vine.
ShapeLow spreading.
LandscapeAs a creeping vine on screens or in hedges, as a potted patio plant, ground cover in dry gardens or as a specimen.
PropagationSeed, cuttings and micropropagation.
CultivationPlant in dry, well-draining sandy, limestone or clay soils under full sun.
PestsNone known.
Notable SpecimensKings Park and Botanical Garden, Perth, Australia.
HabitatDry plains and along cliff edges.
Bark/Stem DescriptionSmooth vines.
Leaf DescriptionOvate oppositely-arranged leaves about 2 cm in length and 0.5 - 1 cm in width that grow along vines.
Flower DescriptionIntervals of 6 - 7 showy, variegated snapdragon-like inflorescences.
Colour DescriptionSilvery green foliage and lighter green stems. Showy crimson red flowers with deep purplish-black centres.
Texture DescriptionMedium.

Photographs