This short lived perennial is grown as an annual and has spreading stems that form a open prostrate habit. It has divided leaves with silky-grey oval leaflets and the brilliant crimson pea-shaped flowers appear in a raceme from spring to summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10

Swainsona formosa is naturally found in central Australia growing in very well drained moderately fertile sandy-stony soils in an open sunny position and is frost tender but drought tolerant.

Sturt's Desert Pea is grown for its colourful flowers and its spreading habit. It is planted in small or arid gardens as a ground cover or as a spill-over in rockeries. It is also used in pots and tubs and can ge grown in hanging baskets. The flowers are used in floral arrangements and the plant is fast growing establishing in one season but may be difficult to cultivate requiring perfect drainage. ID 800

Swainsona (swayn-SOH-na) formosa (for-MO-sah)   

Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)