Family: Papilionaceae
Common Name: Blue or Purple Pea, Rusty Pod

Occurring both in western and eastern Australia, this genus comprises around 12 species of shrubs which are covered with masses of beautiful, blue pea-flowers in spring. Often found in forests as undershrubs, few are as yet cultivated in home gardens. They have oval-shaped leaves, sometimes hairy on the undersides.

Species

Not all are available outside Australia.

H. acutifolia is an erect, bushy shrub, to 1.2 m (4 ft), with oval, light green leaves, velvety underneath, and clusters of rich purple flowers from late winter to early spring.

H. elliptica is a hardy species, to 2.5 m (8 ft), with an arched, branching habit. It is attractive in spring when covered with pretty, blue flowers.

H. hetero­phylla is a dwarf species to 30 cm (12 in). It has a trailing habit and clusters of mostly lilac flow­ers.

H. lanceolata is a lovely, quite hardy shrub, to 2 m (6 ft), mostly found in sheltered valleys. The flowers are lilac through to purple.

H. pungens, to about 1 m (3 ft), is a small shrub with spiky leaves and violet flowers, marked with white at the base.

Cultivation

Hoveas like protection and do best in moist, partly shaded spots. They prefer a fairly deep, rich, sandy loam which has been mulched. In areas with hard frosts grow in a cool greenhouse or conservatory, in pots of soil-based compost. Provide airy, slightly humid conditions and good light. Propagate from seed which germinates easily if soaked in hot water overnight, then nicked carefully with a blade along the side. Plant in a 3:1 mix of coarse sand and peat.

Climate

Zone 9.