SWAINSONA colutoides

An erect annual or biennial, shrub 0.5-1.3m tall with reddish stems that displays purple-violet flowers on long flower spikes from Apr to June or Aug to December depending on local conditions.
Leaves are green and usually in groups of 13-17 leaflets.

Occurs naturally across the arid regions of South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and New South Wales.

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Adaptable to sandy and clayey 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 to occur 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.

Image of similar species for illustration only.
Image of Swainsona maccullochiana by thibaudaronson 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)