An iconic arid-zone trailing annual bearing spectacular blood-red pea flowers with a glossy black boss over silvery foliage. A challenging but breathtaking wildflower and floral emblem of South Australia.
At a glance
- Plant type: Annual
- Mature size: 30 cm H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Sturt's Desert Pea
Swainsona formosa is an fast-growing annual in the Fabaceae family, native to South Australia, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland. It reaches around 30 cm tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with silver-grey foliage. Red flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Sturt's Desert Pea
Sturt's Desert Pea suits arid and semi-arid, Mediterranean and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is a sought-after collector's plant.
Soil & planting
Sturt's Desert Pea does best in sandy, free-draining and poor soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Sturt's Desert Pea is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Sturt's Desert Pea after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Sturt's Desert Pea in the garden
Sturt's Desert Pea earns its place for pots and courtyard containers and a feature or specimen planting. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Sturt's Desert Pea with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Sturt's Desert Pea
Plant Sale lists Sturt's Desert Pea as tube stock, potted plants, advanced specimens and seed. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Sturt's Desert Pea seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.