SWAINSONA beasleyana

A distinctive showy species of Swainsona that is closely related to the Sturt' s Desert Pea (Swainsona Formosa)
Swainsona beasleyana is a trailing herbaceous perennial to 20cm with stout hairy stems, erect leaves, and purple-blue-pink flowers on racemes 20-40 cm tall. Flowering occurs from August to September.
Pinnate leaves with 15- 23 leaflets obliquely ovate with a recurved pointed apex, 10-25-5mm.

Occurs naturally in the IBRA region of the Avon Wheatbelt, Coolgardie, Great Victoria Desert, Murchison, Nullarbor and Yalgoo in Western Australia,

Adaptable to red sandy or gravelly loam soils in an open sunny position, drought tolerant drought and arid locations.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoiding the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-24°C

Swainsona seeds germinate readily, however, they do have a hard outer coating that is impervious to water. To assist in the uptake of moisture for germination, the seed is best scarified by pre-treating with hot water.

Hot water treatment is recommended for this species.

1. Place the seed in a container and pour in just boiled for 5-10 seconds.
2. Sow 2-3mm deep, keep warm and moist.
3. Place in a warm shaded or semi-shaded position to avoid dying out.
4. Keep warm & moist, avoid drying out or water-logging the growing mix.
5. Germination should occur in 10-21 days @ 18-24°C

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they are discarded.