What should you not do when growing Sturt desert Peas?
Here are some things to avoid:
- Compost, worm castings, manure and clayey soils are too heavy for Sturt Desert Pea. They prefer free draining, loose, sandy soil.
- Shady positions. They need sunny, hot environments.
- Over crowding with other plants.
- Over fertilising will cause ‘toxic shock’ from too much phosphorus.
Why is it called Sturt desert Pea?
Sturt’s desert pea is part of the genus swainsona, named after English botanist Isaac Swainson. The common name of the plant was given in honour of the British explorer of Australia, Charles Sturt.
Why is the Sturt desert Pea significant in SA?
Apart from its role as the state flower of South Australia, Sturt’s Desert Pea is highly sought after as a cut flower plant. Having had a long botanical history since its discovery in 1699 by William Dampier, Sturt’s Desert Pea has undergone a number of botanical name changes.
Is Sturt desert Pea protected?
Sturt’s Desert Pea is protected in South Australia. The flowers and plants must not be collected on private land without the written consent of the owner. Collection on Crown land is illegal without a permit.
Are Sturt Desert Peas hard to grow?
The Sturt’s Desert pea is a well-known Australian native flower that is the state floral emblem for South Australia. Although much admired these plants are notoriously hard to grow outside their natural desert environment as they are prone to fungal diseases and root rots.
How do you take care of a Sturt Desert Pea?
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.
Are Sturt desert Peas hard to grow?
How does the Sturt desert Pea survive?
This plant lives in hot inland deserts with sandy, rocky surroundings. Some of the structural adaptations of the Sturt’s Desert Pea are: small seeds that hold viability, which allows it to germinate after many years. Also the long tap root can allow access to water in deep areas of the soil.
How long do Sturt Desert Pea flowers last?
They need good drainage – cut back to the new runners when the secondary runners begin to bud. The desert pea makes a great cut flower. If you pick the flowers as they first open they will last approximately 30 days in water.
Is Sturt Desert Pea an annual or perennial?
It is usually treated as an annual, and should flower 4 months after sowing from seed. It was formerly known as Clianthus formosus, and is a protected plant in South Australia.
How does the Sturt Desert Pea survive?
Is Sturt desert Pea an annual or perennial?
How are sturt’s desert pea protected in Australia?
It is able to withstand the marked extremes of temperature experienced in inland deserts, and light frosts are tolerated by established plants. Sturt’s Desert Pea is protected in South Australia. The flowers and plants must not be collected on private land without the written consent of the owner.
What kind of flower is Sturt Desert Pea?
The Sturt Desert Pea is a beautiful South Australian floral emblem, and grows well in various parts of the Botanic gardens here, especially in the desert garden. Aboriginal names for this flower include ”malu” (kangaroo eyes) and ”meekyluka” (flowers of the blood).
Can you grow Sturt’s Desert Pea in sandy soil?
Please know that we are experiencing delays in despatching orders. Learn more. This icon from Uluru can be grown in poor sandy soils. Rapid growing annual with a tap root so sow in position or transplant carefully. Checking stock, please wait.. This item is for members only.
How did the Swainsona Desert Pea get its name?
Swainsona formosa. Jump to navigation Jump to search. Swainsona formosa, Sturt’s Desert Pea, is an Australian plant in the genus Swainsona, named after English botanist Isaac Swainson, famous for its distinctive blood-red leaf-like flowers, each with a bulbous black centre, or “boss”. It is one of Australia’s best known wildflowers.