Family: Papilionaceae

Only two of these 20 species of evergreen shrubs from South Africa are in general cultivation. The pea-shaped flowers are fragrant and showy, while the foliage has a silky texture. In climates prone to frosts, these plants should be grown in a cool greenhouse.

Species

P. calyptrata, sweet pea bush, is fast growing to 2 or 3 m (6-10 ft). The silver-green foliage is covered with fine, soft hairs. Pink to mauve flowers appear from spring to early summer.

P. sericea, to about 1 m (3 ft), occurs naturally on dry, gravelly soils in its native South Africa. The silky, silver-gray foliage is very attractive. Mauve-pink flowers appear from winter to mid-spring.

Cultivation

Propagate from seed or cuttings. Soak seed overnight in warm water before sowing. Plant in open, free-draining soil, in full sun. Tip prune to encourage bushy growth and remove spent flower heads, unless seed is to be collected.

Climate

Zone 9 or 10.