Parochetus communis subsp. africanus
shamrock pea
A mat-forming evergreen perennial to 10cm tall, with clover-like leaves composed of three leaflets, each with a brown horseshoe mark; blue pea-flowers 2.5cm across are held just above the foliage from autumn to spring
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | Blue | |||
| Winter | Blue |
Position
- Full shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Parochetus can be evergreen or deciduous, trailing or prostrate perennials with clover-like, trifoliate leaves and bright blue, pea-like flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Ethiopia to S. Tropical Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant in any moist, but well-drained soil in partial shade. To avoid winter wet, keep plants under glass. In an alpine house grow in equal parts peat-free John Innes No 2 compost, leaf mould and grit
Propagation
Propagate by division or separate rooted runners when the plant is in growth
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.