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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Fabaceae = Pea Family |
| Origin: Australia (Australasia) |
| Flower Color: White |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Summer |
| Synonyms: [Swainsonia, Hort.] |
| Height: 2-3 feet |
| Width: 2-3 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 15-20° F |
| May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes |
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Swainsona galegifolia 'UCSC White' (Darling Pea) - This long-lived shrubby perennial of inland New South Wales and Queensland (Australia) is easy to cultivate and has a very long flowering season. From the crown at ground level the branches grow annually to a height of around 3 feet. The branches are covered from tip to ground level with fine textured bright green 4 inch long pinnately compound leaves. The 6 inch long flower spikes are held on long stems and are held out from the foliage on long stems. The pure white 1 inch pea flowers open in late spring and continue through summer to be followed by balloon-like fruit pods. Plant in full sun to light shade in a well-drained soil and water occasionally. When young the plant has a more upright habit but with age the crown grows outwards and, if it has room, the plant takes on a more spreading shape. If planted in groups, the plants support one another and grow more vertically. The newer growth is tender to frost but if plants are pruned to the ground at the end of winter, all old stems are replaced with strong new growth. Reportedly hardy to below 20 ° F. This plant can be semi-evergreen in milder climates but it is best to prune to the ground in winter or at least remove all old flower stems at the end of Autumn to tidy up plant . This plant is poisonous to livestock. We received this plant from Suncrest Nursery who got it from the UC Santa Cruz Arboretum.
The information about Swainsona galegifolia 'UCSC White' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
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