Gompholobium grandiflorum
large wedge pea
eastern Australia (New South Wales and Queensland)
Overview
Gompholobium grandiflorum is an evergreen shrub in the family Fabaceae, growing 2–4 feet (0.6–1.2 m) tall and 2–3 feet (0.6–0.9 m) wide, with a slender, open habit. The leaves are divided into three narrow leaflets 0.4–1 inch (10–25 mm) long, green and often slightly recurved. Pea-shaped yellow flowers are large for the genus at 0.8–1.2 inches (20–30 mm) across, carried singly or in small groups near the branch tips through spring. Inflated, rounded seed pods follow and hold several seeds. The shrub is native to eastern Australia, where it grows in heath and dry sclerophyll forest on sandy soils, often appearing after fire. It tolerates dry, exposed sites and poor soils once established but is short-lived and regenerates from seed after fire. It needs sharp drainage and declines in wet, heavy ground. The open habit can become sparse with age.
Native Range
Gompholobium grandiflorum is native to eastern Australia, occurring in New South Wales and southern Queensland. It grows in heath and dry sclerophyll forest on sandy, well-drained soils, often appearing strongly after fire.Suggested Uses
Grown in native, heath, and low-water gardens on sandy, well-drained soils. Planted in rockeries and on dry banks where its yellow spring flowers show against the foliage. Used in revegetation of sandy sclerophyll sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 4'
Width/Spread2' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, roughly September to November in the native range. The yellow pea flowers are carried singly or in small groups near the branch tips. Inflated seed pods develop after flowering.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Gompholobium grandiflorum in full sun to part shade in sandy, well-drained, low-nutrient soil. It tolerates drought and exposure once established and grows in soils low in phosphorus, so phosphorus-rich fertilisers are left off. Water young plants sparingly until established, then water only in long dry spells. Sharp drainage is needed, as the plant declines in wet or heavy ground. The shrub is short-lived, often persisting only a few years. It grows in acidic to neutral soils.Pruning
Trim Gompholobium grandiflorum lightly after flowering to keep the habit compact and slow the sparse growth that develops with age. Cutting back into bare old wood reshoots poorly, so trimming stays on younger growth. Taking off spent pods can reduce self-seeding.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons