Podalyria sericea
Image: Abu Shawka
Description
This small silvery, rounded shrub has attractive, soft shiny leaves and small, pretty pink flowers in winter which are followed by unusual swollen seed pods.Flowers are visited by carpenter bees and many other insects.
Propagation instructions - cuttings
As with most Fabaceae, growing Podalyria sericea is quite difficult from cuttings.
Propagation instructions - seeds
It is best grown from seed sown in autumn or spring. Seeds germinate easily. Soaking seeds in hot water and treating with a fungicide that combats pre-and post-emergence damping off will increase the success of germination. Sow 1-2 mm deep in sandy, well-drained potting soil. Seed germinates in approximately two weeks. After germination, the seedlings should be potted up into individual bags/pots as soon as the first pair of true leaves appears, taking care to minimize root disturbance. Protect young plants from frost.
Sources and references
Scientific name
Podalyria sericea
Common name(s)
Silver sweet pea bush