Opposite-leaved Daviesia Plant Care
Daviesia oppositifolia Endl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Daviesia oppositifolia, commonly known as rattle-pea, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is an erect shrub with many stems, egg-shaped phyllodes with the narrower end towards the base, and yellow flowers with maroon markings.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Opposite-leaved Daviesia?
Plant Opposite-leaved Daviesia in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Opposite-leaved Daviesia Native To?
What Is the Opposite-leaved Daviesia?
Opposite-leaved Daviesia (Daviesia oppositifolia) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Daviesia genus. Opposite-leaved Daviesia is native to the south-west of Western Australia.
Opposite-leaved Daviesia displays an erect shrub, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Opposite-leaved Daviesia produces showy pea-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, or red.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Opposite-leaved Daviesia?
Water a young or newly planted Opposite-leaved Daviesia every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Opposite-leaved Daviesia Need?
Opposite-leaved Daviesia thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Opposite-leaved Daviesia Prefer?
Daviesia oppositifolia tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Opposite-leaved Daviesia prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Opposite-leaved Daviesia?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Opposite-leaved Daviesia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Opposite-leaved Daviesia?
Feed Opposite-leaved Daviesia every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Opposite-leaved Daviesia?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Opposite-leaved Daviesia is suited to USDA Zone 12a.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Opposite-leaved Daviesia?
Opposite-leaved Daviesia can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Opposite-leaved Daviesia?
Prune Opposite-leaved Daviesia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Opposite-leaved Daviesia in Winter?
Opposite-leaved Daviesia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Opposite-leaved Daviesia?
Opposite-leaved Daviesia can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to daviesia abnormis plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Opposite-leaved Daviesia Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Opposite-leaved Daviesia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Opposite-leaved Daviesia?
Opposite-leaved Daviesia is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Opposite-leaved Daviesia Need?
Opposite-leaved Daviesia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Opposite-leaved Daviesia is native to the south-west of Western Australia. In cooler regions, grow Opposite-leaved Daviesia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Opposite-leaved Daviesia is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Daviesia genus — compare its care with other Daviesia species on PlantoScan.
Daviesia is part of the Fabaceae plant family — browse all Fabaceae genera and species.
Opposite-leaved Daviesia thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Daviesia Species
Other Daviesia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Daviesia oppositifolia Endl., family Fabaceae (first published in Stirp. Herb. Hügel. : 11 (1838)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Opposite-leaved Daviesia, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
