Family: Papilionaceae
Common Name: Wedge Pea

Mostly from Western Australia, this genus com­prises around 25 species of woody shrubs with pinnate leaves, and lovely red or yellow pea flowers in spring. Unfortunately, they are rarely available outside Australia.

Species

G. capitatum, to 1 m (3 ft), has white, hairy new shoots, narrow, feathery leaflets and dense, terminal clusters of yellow flowers.

G. grandiflorum, large wedge pea, from New South Wales, is an erect, spindly shrub, to 1 m (3 ft), with narrow, glabrous leaflets and large, single, yellow flowers.

G. latifolium, golden glory wedge pea, from eastern Australia, has the largest flowers of the genus in a bright yellow colour. It grows vigorously to 1 m (3 ft), with olive-green foliage, the new growth having a bronze tone.

Cultivation

These Australian natives are well suited to warm rockeries, preferring a well-drained, sunny site. Propagate from heat-treated seed obtained from the fruit. The seed can be difficult to obtain. Outdoors grow in a well-drained sunny position. Sow seed in late spring to early summer.

Climate

Zone 9.