Growing
- Forest layer: Shrub.
- Growth habit & lifespan: Fast-growing evergreen shrub.
- Size: 1.5-3m.
- Site preference: Full sun to part shade, wide soil tolerance, coastal tolerant.
- Water needs / drought tolerance: Drought tolerant once established.
- Fruiting / flowering season: Purple pea-like flowers, most of the year.
- Propagation: Seed, self-seeds readily both in the garden and beyond it.
- Harvesting technique: Not applicable, ornamental only.
Permaculture Function
- Permaculture functions: Ornamental and pollinator value, offset by a real self-seeding risk in bushland-adjacent sites.
- Wildlife value: Good pollinator and butterfly value.
- Edibility / medicinal use: Not edible.
- Companion notes: If kept, deadhead spent flowers to limit further self-seeding.
Safety & Control
- Toxicity: Not significantly toxic.
- Control method: Hand-pull seedlings where they're not wanted. For an established shrub being removed, cut and remove the root crown. If retaining a specimen ornamentally, deadhead regularly to reduce spread.