These perennials, trees, and shrubs have attractive pinnate foliage and showy racemes or panicles of pea-like flowers. The 50 or so species in this genus are from dry valleys and woodland and rocky slopes in tropical and temperate regions worldwide. Use as specimens or in a shrub border, or in a greenhouse.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsElegant, pinnate foliage and pea-like flowers. To flower well, they need long, hot summers.
CareGrow in well-drained soil of moderate fertility, in full sun. Prune in spring, after flowering.
PropagationAs soon as seed is ripe, sow in containers in a cold frame. Semi-ripe cuttings of evergreen species can be rooted with bottom heat in summer or fall.
ProblemsMay be affected by twig blight, Verticillium wilt, canker, or rust.
