Plant profile: Flame pea

There are some pretty stunning and vibrant flowers that are exploding in bushland around WA, the most popular and notable the bright orange pea flower of Chorizema cordatum.

They are members of the pea family and are legumes, so very good for the soil.

There are about 17 species of Chorizema, but cordatum is the most readily available. It has hot pink and orange two-tone flowers and is aptly called the flame pea.

A great shrub for a shady spot and growing in a variety of soils, it rewards the garden with a brilliant splash of colour during the winter and early spring months.

They grow naturally all through the South West and up in the Hills.

Chorizema will grow anything from a sprawling ground cover to an upright shrub. Most nurseries will stock them when they start to flower, but of you ask for them at other times of the year they will be available.

They may need a little extra loam or clay if you grow them on the coast, but they are not deep rooting so this won’t be a problem.

Those who live up in the Hills will only need to add a bit of compost and slow-release fertiliser.

They definitely prefer dappled light or afternoon shade and respond well to a good prune at the end of spring.

You can safely prune 50 per cent of the bush; this keeps it compact and healthy.