Sphaerolobium spp.

globe-pea

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 9–10

Overview

Sphaerolobium spp. is a genus of small, wiry shrubs in the family Fabaceae, native to Australia and known as the globe-peas. Most species are nearly leafless, carrying out photosynthesis through slender, rush-like green stems 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 m) tall, with any leaves reduced to tiny scales. From late winter into spring the stems bear small pea flowers about 0.3 inch (8 mm) long in yellow to orange, often marked red. Each flower is followed by a small, rounded pod that gives the genus its common name. The globe-peas grow in heath, woodland, and seasonally wet flats, usually on sandy or gravelly, low-fertility soils. They tolerate poor ground and seasonal moisture but are short-lived and resent rich soils and summer wet. Plants suit native and water-wise gardens in mild, frost-free to light-frost climates, roughly USDA zones 9 to 10.

Native Range

Sphaerolobium spp. is native to Australia, with most species in the south-west and south-east of the continent. The shrubs grow in heathland, open woodland, and seasonally wet sandplains on sandy and gravelly soils.

Suggested Uses

Used in native, heath, and water-wise gardens, on banks, and in containers in mild climates. Spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart, the wiry stems add a slender vertical texture. The spring pea flowers also draw native bees.

How to Identify

Recognized by small, wiry shrubs of slender green, rush-like stems 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 m) tall that stay nearly leafless. Small yellow to orange pea flowers, often red-marked, open along the stems in spring. The rounded, near-globular seed pods give the genus its name and separate it from related leafless peas with flattened pods.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 3'

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Winter Spring

Flowering occurs from late winter into spring, generally August to November in the native range. Small yellow to orange pea flowers, often marked red, line the green stems. Rounded pods follow and ripen over the warmer months.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Yellow to orange, often red-marked

Foliage Description

Green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-8 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 - 6.5(Acidic)

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

Plants grow in full sun to light shade on sandy, gravelly, sharply drained soils at an acid to neutral pH from about 5.0 to 6.5. They tolerate seasonal wetness while in growth and drier conditions once flowering ends. Low-fertility soil suits them, and rich or heavily fertilized ground shortens their life. Light, infrequent watering supports young plants, while established shrubs need little once settled. As legumes they fix nitrogen and grow on poor soils where many shrubs struggle. Hardiness suits frost-free to light-frost regions, roughly USDA zones 9 to 10.

Pruning

A light trim after flowering keeps plants compact and slows the open, leggy growth common with age. Hard cutting into bare old stems is avoided, since the wiry growth resprouts poorly. Spent plants are usually replaced rather than rejuvenated.

Pruning Schedule

late spring