Swan River Pea
Gastrolobium celsianum (syn. Brachysema lanceolatum) is the Swan River Pea, a small spreading evergreen shrub to around 1 – 1.5m. Very easy care and it is useful as a background plant or low informal hedge in native gardens.
Attractive red flowers from winter to spring on a plant that copes well with a variety of soil and climate conditions as long as the soil is well drained. Widely used in native themed gardens where it will attract birds and insects.
How To grow Gastrolobium celsianum
This is a very easy care plant once established.
- Choose a sunny to part shed position, not deep shade.
- Ensure the soil is well drained.
- Weed area well before planting.
- Plant and water in well.
- Mulch around the plant.
- Water through the first summer as the soilbegins to dry.
- Fertilise with a specialist Australian Native plant fertiliser in spring
Minimal pruning is required, do not prune back into bare wood.
Landscaping Uses
Used both as a ground cover plant as well as a low hedge in full sun to good dappled shade.
It makes a good rock garden plant. Very easy care and low maintenance once established make it suited to planting in commercial projects.
This is a variable species sometimes a small bush, other times prostrate.
The prostrate variety is sold as Gastrolobium latifolium, usually with broader leaves than the species.
This is a useful plant for growing on embankments where it can assist with erosion control and stabilisation.
Summary Details
- Botanical Name – Gastrolobium celsianum (syn. Brachysema lanceolatum)
- Common Name – Swan River Pea
- Origins – South Western Australia
- Climate – A Mediterranean type climate suites well or Warm to Cool temperate zones.
- Position – Full sun to a little shade
- Soil – Well drained wiyth a neutral pH
- Height – To 2 metre, often smaller.
- Spread – To 2 – 3 metres.
- Flowers – Red flowers from winter to spring
- Foliage – Dense evergeen Olive Green foliage with silvery reverse.
- Uses – Attracts native birds, especially nectar seeking birds. Erosion Control.
- Frost tolerant – Light to moderate frosts.
- Coastal Gardens – Suited to sandy coastal soils.
- Best grown away from strong competition with other plants
Toxicity
Gastrolobium species are known to be toxic to dogs and other animals, however it is believed that Gastrolobium celsianum is one species that is not toxic. Consult your local Vet.
