Swainsona Lessertiifolia

Description

Swainsona Lessertiifolia, commonly known as the Showy Swainson-pea, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to Australia and can be found in the states of Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia. This perennial herb has a woody base and can grow up to 1 meter tall. It produces stunning flowers that range in color from white to pink or purple, which bloom from late winter to early spring.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Swainsona Lessertiifolia has a delightful appearance, which adds beauty to any garden. The plant has a woody base, and its leaves are grey-green, narrow, and elongated, with a length of about 10-30 cm. The flowers are pea-shaped and occur in clusters of 2-10 flowers. The colors of the flowers vary, with some being white, pink, or purple. The flowers can reach up to 20-30 mm long and are surrounded by five sepals, which are typically covered in silky hairs.

Care Guide

Swainsona Lessertiifolia is relatively easy to care for, and it can thrive in a variety of conditions. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic and rich in organic matter. It can grow in full sun to partial shade, but it prefers to be in an area with good air circulation. Here are some care tips to keep in mind:

Water: Swainsona Lessertiifolia prefers moderate watering, and it is important not to overwater it, as it can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.

Fertilization: The plant can benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer. Avoid feeding the plant during the dormant season.

Soil: Swainsona Lessertiifolia prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter.

Sunlight: The plant can grow in full sun to partial shade, but it prefers to be in an area with good air circulation.

Hardiness Zones: Swainsona Lessertiifolia is hardy in USDA zones 8-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Swainsona Lessertiifolia can be affected by a few pests and diseases, which can damage the plant. The most common pests are aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, which suck the sap from the plant and can cause it to wilt. The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and root rot, which can affect the plant’s growth and cause it to wither. To prevent these problems, it is important to keep the plant healthy and to monitor it regularly for any signs of pest infestation or disease.

Habitat

Swainsona Lessertiifolia is native to Australia and can be found in the states of Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia. The plant prefers well-drained soil and can grow in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, grasslands, and rocky areas.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Swainsona Lessertiifolia poisonous to humans?

A: No, Swainsona Lessertiifolia is not toxic to humans or pets.

Q: Can Swainsona Lessertiifolia grow in containers?

A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, but it requires a large container and well-drained soil.

Q: How often should I fertilize Swainsona Lessertiifolia?

A: The plant can benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer. Avoid feeding the plant during the dormant season.

Q: What is the best time to plant Swainsona Lessertiifolia?

A: The best time to plant Swainsona Lessertiifolia is in late winter or early spring when the soil is warm.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Swainsona Lessertiifolia:

• Swainsona Formosa
• Swainsona Greyana
• Swainsona Canescens
• Swainsona Glandulosa

References

• “Swainsona Lessertiifolia.” PlantNet. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Swainsona~lessertiifolia.
• “Swainsona Lessertiifolia.” Australian Native Plants Society. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://anpsa.org.au/s-lst.html.
• “Swainsona Lessertiifolia.” Gardening Australia. Accessed June 14, 2021. https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/swainsona-lessertii/9428400.