Lessertia frutescens
balloon pea
An evergreen shrub with slender stems bearing pinnate, grey-green leaves with narrowly oblong leaflets, and racemes of bright red, pea-like flowers 3-5cm in length, followed by pink-tinged, bladdery seed capsules to 5cm in length
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | Red Yellow | ||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in peat-free, loam-based compost with added sharp sand, in full light. During growth, water moderately, keeping the compost just moist and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter or during the dormant season. Can be grown outdoors in a frost-free, well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun. Dry soils are tolerated
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 15°C in spring or strike semi-hardwood cuttings in summer, both with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pruning group 8. May require restrictive pruning in late winter when grown under glass
Pests
May be susceptible to earwigs and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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