Kennedia rubicunda – Dusky coral pea

Description

Kennedia rubicunda

Family: Fabaceae
Packet: 10 seeds

Description

Kennedia rubicunda, the Dusky Coral Pea, is a vigorous Australian native twining plant found in eastern Australia. Its green leaves each have three leaflets, while clusters of dusky red pea-shaped flowers appear mainly in spring. With a sturdy support it can cover a fence or trellis; without support it can trail across the ground.

Key Features

• Flowers: Dusky red to crimson pea-shaped flowers.
• Foliage: Green leaves with three leaflets.
• Habit: Vigorous twining climber or sprawling groundcover.

Growing Conditions

• Position: Sun or part shade with room to spread.
• Soil: Well-drained soil; avoid persistent waterlogging.
• Water: Water during establishment; plants can tolerate dry conditions once established.
• Climate: Adaptable to many eastern Australian garden conditions.

Seed Propagation

1. Pre-treatment: The hard seed coat can prevent water uptake. Carefully abrade a small area of the coat, avoiding the embryo, or use a brief hot-water treatment, then allow seeds to soak as the water cools overnight.
2. Check: Sow seeds that have swollen; gently scarify any still-hard seeds before soaking again.
3. Sowing: Sow about 5 mm deep in free-draining seed-raising mix.
4. Conditions: Maintain warmth and gentle moisture, without waterlogging, until shoots emerge.

Germination timing varies with seed freshness, temperature and growing conditions.

Germination advice: These instructions are a recommended guide. Germination results and timing may vary depending on seed freshness, storage, temperature and growing conditions. Alternative propagation methods may also be successful.