Swainsona formosa

Swainsona formosa

Family: Fabaceae

Common names: 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.

Sowing instructions: Put the viable seeds in a container and pour boiling water over them and leave to soak in the water overnight. Prepare a germination mixture of 2 parts potting soil and 1 part compost. Plant the seeds in this mixture. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of the germination mixture and put the tray in a warm, shady spot. Water the seed tray once a week, keep the soil moist but not wet.

Locality: Ex Hort. Harvest: November 2024