Overview
Gastrolobium bilobum is a plant with a prostrate to bushy habit in the genus Gastrolobium, part of the Fabaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 4 metres tall. Gastrolobium bilobum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ornamental shrub and ground cover.
About
Gastrolobium bilobum, commonly known as heart-leaved poison, is a bushy shrub which is endemic to south west Western Australia. The species is a member of the family Fabaceae and is probably the most toxic species in the genus Gastrolobium, containing high levels of monofluoroacetic acid. The species grows to a height of up to 4 metres. Between late winter and early summer (August to December in Australia) it produces yellow-orange pea-flowers with a central yellow area encircled by a band of red, and a maroon keel. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it is hardy through an average UK winter (RHS H4). Suggested uses include ornamental shrub and ground cover. It tolerates neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gastrolobium bilobum
About the genus
Gastrolobium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae. There are over 100 species in this genus, and all but two are native to the south west region of Western Australia.
Wikipedia contributors, "Gastrolobium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gastrolobium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gastrolobium
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Gastrolobium bilobum size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Prostrate to bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4 metres
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental shrub, ground cover
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gastrolobium bilobum
- Propagation
- Seed, cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to aphids
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to powdery mildew
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gastrolobium bilobum?
Gastrolobium bilobum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gastrolobium bilobum need?
Gastrolobium bilobum grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Gastrolobium bilobum grow?
Gastrolobium bilobum reaches a height of 4 metres.
Is Gastrolobium bilobum hardy in the UK?
Gastrolobium bilobum has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Gastrolobium bilobum?
Seed, cuttings.