Family: Papilionaceae

Native to Australia, most of these 15 species of climbing or scrambling plants are from Western Australia. They produce bright pink or scarlet, pea-like flowers and the leaves consist of three leaflets. In climates that are prone to frosts, Kennedia species are very good and unusual plants which will suit the conditions of cool to intermediate greenhouses and conservatories, as they adapt well to either pot or tub culture.

Species

K. coccinea, coral vine, is a vigorous climber, with a profusion of bright, orange-red or scarlet flowers in spring and early summer. The young growth is rather hairy.

K. macro­phylla is a twiner, with large, light green, trifo­liate leaves and long sprays of large, scarlet flowers, yellow at the base, in spring.

K. micro­phylla is a dense, mat-forming groundcover with small, shiny, dark green leaves and rich pinkish red flowers in spring.

K. nigricans, black coral pea, is a vigorous climber with large, shiny green leaves and unusual, black and yellow pea flowers in spring.

K. prostrata, run­ning postman, is a trailing species which spreads to 1.5 m (5 ft). It produces large, scarlet flowers in spring and summer.

K. rubicunda, dusky coral pea or red bean, is an extremely vigorous species that spreads rapidly. It has oval, hairy leaves and striking, dull rusty red flowers in late spring and early summer.

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in a gritty, well-drained, soil-based potting compost. Plants need maximum light, but should be shaded from direct strong sun. Be very sparing with water in winter but water normally in the grow­ing period. Provide supports for the stems of climbers, and in late winter, prune back side shoots to within four buds of the main stems.

Propagate from seed in spring, after soaking the seeds in water overnight (pour boiling water over them). Outdoors grow in moist yet well-drained soil and partial shade. Germinate at 21°C (70°F).

Climate

Zone 10.