Swainsona formosa – Sturt’s Desert Pea

 

An iconic flower from arid desert regions in central Australia, with distinctive red flowers highlighted by the deep black centres. It has pinnate grey green leaves, and it is mostly sprawling and low growing in habit. There are different coloured forms, from cream to pink to all red without the black centre.
To grow the Sturt’s desert pea, it needs perfect drainage, full sun, and minimal watering once the seedling becomes established. A good way to grow in the garden, is in a large tub or a terracotta drainage pipe stood upright and filled with gritty free draining soil. Hanging baskets are also a great way to grow them. It is usually treated as an annual, and should flower 4 months after sowing from seed.
It was formerly known as Clianthus formosus, and is a protected plant in South Australia.

Family : Fabaceae
Cultivar Name:
Plant Type : Small shrub, Ground cover
Width : 3
Flowering Time : Spring, Summer
Soil Type : Sandy, Sandy loam
Climate Zone : Warm temperate, Mediterranean, Semi-arid, Arid
Growth Habit : Evergreen, Spreading, Mound-shaped, Weeping
Soil Moisture : Well-drained
Special Uses : Pipe and drain friendly
Scientific Name: Swainsona formosa
Common Name : Sturt's Desert Pea
Height : 0.75
Flower Color : Cream, Red, Pink, Black
pH Level : Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Plant Environment : Container growing, Cottage garden, Flower garden, Drought resistant
Light : Sunny
Lifespan : Biennial
Frost Tolerance : Tolerates light frost
Attracts Wildlife : Other insects