Family: Papilionaceae

These 11 species of attractive, Australian native shrubs have large pea flowers which may be red, yellow or purple. They are quite variable, some being spiny with alternate leaves, others being almost leafless. They flower from autumn to spring and the blooms are followed by flat, leathery pods. Templetonias are frost-tender and need to be grown in a cool to intermediate conservatory or greenhouse in frost-prone climates.

Species

T. aculeata is a prickly, almost leafless shrub, with purple, yellow or brown flowers from late winter through much of spring.

T. retusa, cockie's comb or coralbush, is native to limestone soils in South and Western Australia. It is also resistant to exposed, coastal conditions and salt spray. Growing to 1.5 m (5 ft) high, this ornamental shrub has grayish green, wedge, or heart-shaped leaves and masses of large, scarlet flowers during winter.

T. sulcata, centipede bush, has flattened stems, which replace the leaves and yellow or brown flowers.

Cultivation

In the greenhouse, grow in pots of soil-based potting compost. Ensure maximum light but shade from strong, direct sun. Outdoors templetonias do best in a sunny, well-drained position. Propagate in spring from seed which is first soaked in boiling water and allowed to stand for 24 hours. Germinate at 16°C (61°F).

Climate

Zone 10.