Ashy-haired Swainson-pea Plant Care

Ashy-haired Swainson-pea (Swainsona tephrotricha) belongs to the Fabaceae family within the Swainsona genus. Ashy-haired Swainson-pea is native to eastern South Australia.

Ashy-haired Swainson-pea displays a bushy perennial shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Ashy-haired Swainson-pea produces showy pea-like flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Ashy-haired Swainson-pea 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.

Ashy-haired Swainson-pea thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Swainsona tephrotricha tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Ashy-haired Swainson-pea prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Ashy-haired Swainson-pea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Ashy-haired Swainson-pea 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Ashy-haired Swainson-pea 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.

Ashy-haired Swainson-pea can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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.

Prune Ashy-haired Swainson-pea 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.

Ashy-haired Swainson-pea 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.

Ashy-haired Swainson-pea can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to swainsona acuticarinata plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Ashy-haired Swainson-pea is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. 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.

Ashy-haired Swainson-pea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Ashy-haired Swainson-pea is native to eastern South Australia. In cooler regions, grow Ashy-haired Swainson-pea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.