Lessertia frutescens [=Sutherlandia frutescens] is a hardy, fast growing, sun-loving shrub with lovely silver-grey foliage. The striking, large, bright orange pea-like flowers are borne in August and September. They attract sunbirds to the garden. These are followed by inflated green to pink, papery pods.
This beautiful slender shrub is a must for any garden. Plant several together for effect.Prune regularly to encourage it to bush out. Plant in well-drained soil and water well in winter and spring and cut down the watering in summer. The pods and flowers are decorative in a vase.
It is wind and drought resistant. This is a short-lived plant but it seeds itself freely. It is an important medicinal plant and has traditional uses as well.
Size: 1 to 1.5m