Overview

Swainsona formosa is a plant with a climbing habit in the genus Swainsona, part of the Fabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Swainsona formosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ornamental.

About

Swainsona formosa, commonly known as Sturt's desert pea or Sturt pea, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae and is native to the Northern Territory and all continental states of Australia, with the exception of Victoria. It is a prostrate annual or short lived perennial herb with imparipinnate leaves with about 15 elliptic to egg-shaped leaflets with the narrower end towards the base, and presents two to six racemes of usually red flowers.

About the genus

Swainsona is a genus of about 85 species of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, and is endemic to Australia. Plants in this genus are herbs or subshrubs with imparipinnate leaves and usually purple flowers similar to others in the family.

Wikipedia contributors, "Swainsona", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Swainsona

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Swainsona

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4

Plant details

Swainsona formosa size, habit and characteristics

Habit

Climbing

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Ornamental

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Swainsona formosa

Propagation

Seed, cuttings

Pest resistance

Susceptible to aphids

Disease resistance

Susceptible to powdery mildew

Frequently asked questions