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Swainsonia Formosa - sturts desert pea
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Swainsonia Formosa - sturts desert pea
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Swainsonia Formosa - sturts 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.