This small shrub has erect-spreading stems that form an open habit. It has divided leaves with dark green oblong leaflets and the mauve pea-shaped flowers appear in sprays from late spring to early summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Swainsona galegifoliais naturally found in Australia from Queensland to New South Wales and Victoria growing on the coast and the highlands, extending to the western slopes.

It grows in moderately fertile very well drained sandy soils in an open sunny position and is drought and frost tolerant.

Smooth Darling Pea is grown for its flowers and its hardiness. It is planted in shrub borders or raised gardens beds as a specimen and is suitable for dryer inland gardens or on the coast. It established from seed in 2 to 3 years and used in new gardens as a quick filler plant. ID 2133

Swainsona(swayn-SOH-na) galegifolia(gal-ee-gee-FOL-ee-ah)

Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)