Smooth Darling-Pea

(Swainsona galegifolia)

Smooth Darling-Pea (Swainsona galegifolia)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Swainsona galegifolia, commonly known as Smooth Darling-pea, is a perennial herb native to grasslands and open woodlands across Eastern Australia. It typically grows to about 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) in height and features greyish-green, pinnate leaves. The plant is known for its racemes of pea-like flowers that come in a variety of colors including white, red, pink, purple, yellow, or orange, blooming predominantly in November and December. The flowers are moderately showy, attracting pollinators such as bees.

Smooth Darling-pea is valued for its colorful flowers and ability to adapt to various garden settings. It is often used in ornamental plantings, borders, and as a feature in native gardens. The plant prefers full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water, thriving in well-drained soils. It is relatively easy to maintain, but gardeners should be aware that it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. There are no widely recognized cultivars in the horticultural trade, but the species itself offers sufficient variety in flower color to be of interest. While not typically invasive, it is important to monitor its growth and spread, especially in regions outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3-5 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

native to grasslands and open woodlands across Eastern Australia

Other Names

Common Names: Cranky-Pea, Darling-Pea, Wintersweet-Pea, Swanflower

Scientific Names: , Swainsona galegifolia, Swainsona coronillaefolia, Swainsona osbornii, Swainsona coronillifolia, Swainsona galegifolia var. albiflora, Swainsona albiflora, Colutea coronillaefolia, Colutea coronillifolia, Colutea galegifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Swainsona galegifolia (Andrews) R.Br.