Family: Papilionaceae
Common Name: Bush Pea, Eggs and Bacon

Comprising around 100 species, this genus of native Australian shrubs provides a wonderful display of brightly coloured, pea-shaped flowers in yellow, orange, brown or red flowers, throughout spring or summer. Some have a light perfume. The foliage is variable, from prickly to soft, downy gray, providing year-round interest. There are several dwarf and prostrate species which are ideal for rock gar-dens and trailing down banks or walls, and as groundcover. Some species tend to be short-lived. In climatic zones lower than 9, grow in an airy, cool greenhouse or conservatory.

Species

Few are available outside their native Australia.

P. cunninghamii is grown for its lovely, blueish gray foliage. It rarely grows more than 1 m (3 ft) high, producing large, yellow to orange-red flowers.

P. daphnoides is an upright grower, to 3 m (10 ft). The large, yellow flowers are borne terminally and the foliage is olive green.

P. flexilis grows to 4 m (13 ft) high, with pale green foliage and clusters of bright yellow flowers, in spring.

P. juniperina, prickly bush pea, is a graceful, spreading shrub, 1-3 m (3-10 ft) high, with pointed, lance-shaped leaves and a profusion of fragrant, soft, orange flowers in spring.

P. microphylla, spreading bush pea, may be prostrate or upright, with narrow, hairy, triangular-shaped leaves and yellow and brown flowers.

P. pedunculata, mat bush pea, is a low-growing, trailing shrub with unusually bright green foliage. The yellow, orange or red flowers cover this shrub from late spring to early summer. It makes an excellent rockery plant or groundcover.

P. stipularis grows about 1 m (3 ft) high. The foliage is very decorative, resembling soft pine leaves. Large heads of bright yellow flowers appear in spring.

P. villosa, bronze bush pea, grows to 2 m (6 ft), and produces yellow flowers amongst the soft, brownish green, pendulous foliage.

Cultivation

Pultenaea species produce abundant seed which is easy to propagate. Soak in hot water and allow to stand overnight. Sow in sandy loam. Most species can also be propagated from tip cuttings of semi-ripe growth, preferably taken in autumn. Pultenaea can be grown in any well-drained, light garden soil which is slightly acidic. It does well in soil enriched with leaf mould. Under glass, grow in pots of acid, soil-based potting compost.

Climate

Zone 9.