Like most of the flame peas, Chorizema cordatum is endemic to the south west of Western Australia.
Plant details
Common name:
Desert or flame pea
Botanic name:
Chorizema cordatum
Description:
Small, erect or scrambling shrub to 1m (3′) high. The leaves are variable, but they are often heart-shaped with toothed margins. The plant produces orange-red or yellow pea flowers in spring.
Best climate:
Chorizemas prefer dry climates with low humidity.
Best look:
shady corner of rockery
trailing over rocks
Australian native garden
understorey shrub
Good points:
spectacular pea flowers
lush green foliage
fast growing
Downside:
Sometimes seriously defoliated by caterpillars. If this happens spray with Dipel.
Cultivation:
Chorizema cordatum prefers well-drained, sandy soils.
For deep flower colours, a shaded position is best.
Mulch and water well, particularly in exposed, hot situations.
Protect from frost.
Tip prune lightly and remove old wood after flowering.
Propagate from scarified (pretreated) seed.
Getting started:
If your local nursery does not stock chorizemas, try a specialist native plant nursery such as the ones listed below. NSW VIC
Annangrove Grevilleas Native Nursery, Kenthurst
Phone: (02) 9654 1380
Cranebrook Native Nursery, Cranebrook
Phone: (02) 4777 4256
Sydney Wildflower Nursery West, Marsden Park
Phone: (02) 9628 4448
Sydney Wildflower Nursery South, Heathcote
Phone: (02) 9548 2818
Palm Land & Sydney Wildflower Nursery, Terrey Hills
Phone: (02) 9450 1555
Kuranga Native Nursery
Ringwood
Phone: (03) 9879 4076
Mt Cassell Native Nursery
Pomonal
Phone: (03) 5356 6351
Vaughan’s Australian Plants
1060 Portarlington Road,
Curlewis
Phone: (03) 525 05592 QLD SA
Fairhill Native Plants
Yandina
Phone: (07) 5446 7088
Nielsen’s Native Nursery
Loganholme
Phone: (07) 3806 1414
Nellie Nursery
Mannum
Phone: (08) 8569 1762
WA
Zanthorrea Nursery
Maida Vale
Phone: (08) 9454 6260