Pullenia spp.

pullenia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Pullenia spp. is a small genus of shrubs in the pea family (Fabaceae), endemic to Australia and belonging to the group of native pea-flowered legumes known informally as egg-and-bacon peas (tribe Mirbelieae). Plants are woody shrubs of sclerophyll heath and woodland, typically with small, stiff, often crowded leaves adapted to dry, nutrient-poor soils. The flowers follow the standard pea form, with an upper petal (standard), two side wings, and a keel, generally in yellow to orange tones often marked with red or brown, as in related Australian pea genera. Flowering occurs mainly in spring. Like other Mirbelieae, the genus grows in well-drained sandy or gravelly soils in fire-prone habitats, where many species regenerate from seed after fire. As a legume, it can form root associations with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, allowing growth in poor soils. Pullenia spp. is little known in general horticulture and is encountered mainly in native plantings and botanical collections.

Native Range

Pullenia spp. is endemic to Australia, where its species occur in sclerophyll heath, shrubland, and open woodland, largely on sandy or gravelly, nutrient-poor soils. Australian native pea genera of this group are concentrated in temperate parts of the continent, including the south-west.

Suggested Uses

Grown mainly in native, low-water, and habitat gardens in Australia and similar climates. The pea flowers and small-leaved foliage suit informal shrub plantings and revegetation on sandy soils. The genus is also of interest to growers of Australian native legumes.

How to Identify

Recognize Pullenia spp. as a woody Australian pea shrub with small, stiff leaves and typical pea-shaped flowers in yellow to orange shades, often with red or brown markings on the standard petal. The flowers are followed by small pods. Close identification to species relies on technical floral and leaf characters.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 6'

Width/Spread1' - 5'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring

Flowering occurs mainly in spring, broadly September to November in the native Australian range. The pea-shaped flowers are carried singly or in small clusters in the leaf axils or at the stem tips. Small pods follow the flowers.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow to orange with red markings

Foliage Description

green to grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Pullenia spp. in full sun in sharply drained, sandy or gravelly, low-phosphorus soil, as with most Australian native peas. The genus tolerates dry conditions once established and is sensitive to waterlogging, which causes root rot. Water young plants to establish, then sparingly. Phosphorus-rich fertilizers can damage native legumes adapted to lean soils, so feeding is kept low. Most species suit frost-free to light-frost climates similar to their natural habitats. Good drainage and air movement reduce fungal problems.

Pruning

Pullenia spp. generally needs only light pruning. A trim after flowering helps keep the shrub compact and bushy. Cutting into old, leafless wood is limited, as many Australian peas are slow to reshoot from bare stems.

Pruning Schedule

late springsummer