SWAINSONA cadelii

An attractive show small shrub with long heads of pink pea-shaped flowers with white centres 2 cm long occurring from July to October in its native range.

Can be variable in size depending on conditions but typically grows to around 1 metre in height with mid-green foliage.

Occurs naturally in south-eastern Australia.

Prefers a light to medium well-drained soil in an open sunny position, drought and frost resistant.

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, avoid 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 to occur seed 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 water and allow to soak overnight.
2. Sow seed 3-4mm deep.
3. Cover the seed lightly with seed raising mix. Do not bury the seed too deeply.
4. Place in a warm shaded or semi-shaded position to avoid dying out.
5. Keep warm & moist, avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
6. 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 were discarded.