Psoralea pinnata
Pea Bush
Psoralea pinnata the Pea Bush is a member of a genus of perennials and shrubs from the Americas and South Africa that includes some 130 species. They have compound, bright green leaves, often trifoliate but sometimes reduced to almost needle-like foliage. Their flowers are pea-like and are usually borne in spikes or racemes clustered near the stem tips. The flowers are usually white or a combination of blue and white.
Hardiness varies with the species. Those most widely cultivated are usually fairly frost tender but otherwise are easily grown in any light, well-drained soil in full sun. They are raised from seed, which often self-sows in favourable climates, or from cuttings.
Psoralea pinnata is an evergreen South African species that grows rapidly to about 3 m tall. It has a dense covering of bright green, needle-like foliage that is soft and pliable. Bright blue and white sweet pea-like flowers are carried in terminal clusters in spring. It is frost hardy to around -4°C and is best in mild coastal areas.
Grown in the garden it provides something really different it terms of colour. It should be pruned quite hard after flowering to ensure good growth, shape and flowers each year.
Psoralea pinnata the Pea Bush is a member of a genus of perennials and shrubs from the Americas and South Africa that includes some 130 species. They have compound, bright green leaves, often trifoliate but sometimes reduced to almost needle-like foliage. Their flowers are pea-like and are usually borne in spikes or racemes clustered near the stem tips. The flowers are usually white or a combination of blue and white.
Hardiness varies with the species. Those most widely cultivated are usually fairly frost tender but otherwise are easily grown in any light, well-drained soil in full sun. They are raised from seed, which often self-sows in favourable climates, or from cuttings.
Psoralea pinnata is an evergreen South African species that grows rapidly to about 3 m tall. It has a dense covering of bright green, needle-like foliage that is soft and pliable. Bright blue and white sweet pea-like flowers are carried in terminal clusters in spring. It is frost hardy to around -4°C and is best in mild coastal areas.
Grown in the garden it provides something really different it terms of colour. It should be pruned quite hard after flowering to ensure good growth, shape and flowers each year.