Lessertia frutescens
balloon pea
S. frutescens is 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 the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Africa (Cape)
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in 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
Earwigs and glasshouse red spider mite may be a problem
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.