{"product_id":"black-gastrolobium-gastrolobium-sericeum-black","title":"Black Gastrolobium - Gastrolobium sericeum 'Black'","description":"\u003cp\u003eBlack Gastrolobium (\u003cem\u003eGastrolobium sericeum\u003c\/em\u003e 'Black') is a compact Western Australian pea bush with jet-black flowers in spring and summer, a colour you rarely see in any garden. It makes a bushy shrub about 1m tall and 1.5m wide, with green leaves that are silky underneath. One caution first: some gastrolobiums are known as poison peas because of toxins that harm pets and livestock, so treat this plant the same way and keep it out of reach of animals that chew.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy you'll love it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJet-black pea flowers.\u003c\/strong\u003e Rare, nearly black blooms open in spring and summer against green foliage, which makes the plant a conversation piece.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompact and bushy.\u003c\/strong\u003e At about 1m tall and 1.5m wide it fits a border or a mixed native bed without taking over.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNectar for birds.\u003c\/strong\u003e The flowers are rich in nectar, so birds visit it through the flowering season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeaves built to save water.\u003c\/strong\u003e Silky hairs under the leaves help reduce water loss, one reason it copes with dry spells.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eA cut flower with a difference.\u003c\/strong\u003e The unusual flowers are used in floral art, so a few stems make a striking arrangement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere it works best\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSunny borders.\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant 1.2m apart so the shrubs just touch. Set it among silver or grey foliage plants, where the black flowers show best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNative and wildlife gardens.\u003c\/strong\u003e It sits well with other Western Australian natives in free-draining beds, adding spring and summer nectar for birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAway from animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e Some of this genus carry toxins harmful to pets and livestock, so treat this one with the same care. Plant it where dogs, cats and livestock cannot reach it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Black Gastrolobium in Australia\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition and climate.\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun in a sheltered, open spot. It comes from the south west of Western Australia, prefers a dry climate and tolerates light frost and drought once established. It will grow on the east coast, but in humid areas be extra careful about drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil.\u003c\/strong\u003e Well-drained soil, whether sandy or clay-based as long as water does not sit. Mulch after planting to hold moisture and keep soil temperatures steady while young plants establish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater and feed.\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly while it establishes, then ease off. After pruning, apply a native slow release fertiliser.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning.\u003c\/strong\u003e Prune in late spring, after new growth starts to mature. Follow with the native fertiliser to encourage a flush of fresh growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to expect when it arrives\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe sell Black Gastrolobium as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the value choice for a border planted in numbers, while the potted packs begin with more bulk. Plants arrive small and upright, so expect a modest shrub at first that fills out over its first seasons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTubes are supplied by our grower and are not always in stock. A sold out tube simply means the grower has none today, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is available again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant care guides and related reading\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/australian-natives\"\u003eMore Australian native plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/australian-native-shrubs\"\u003eAustralian native shrubs\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/bird-attracting\"\u003ePlants that attract birds\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/blog\/rare-australian-native-plants-guide\"\u003eA guide to rare Australian native plants\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it really poisonous?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome gastrolobiums are known as poison peas because they contain toxins harmful to pets and livestock. Treat this plant as toxic and keep dogs, cats and livestock from chewing it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill it grow on the east coast?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, though it prefers a dry climate. On the humid east coast give it full sun, sharp drainage and an open position so air can move through the foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAre the flowers truly black?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey open as jet-black pea flowers in spring and summer, set against green leaves. Colour shows best against a pale or silver background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Nursery Near Me","offers":[{"title":"Tube (Backorder)","offer_id":67790326366527,"sku":"GAS-SER-BLACK-tube","price":12.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"140mm (Pack of 10)","offer_id":67790326432063,"sku":"GAS-SER-BLACK-140MM-P10","price":188.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0691\/2917\/5359\/files\/black-gastrolobium-gastrolobium-sericeum-black.jpg?v=1792206333","url":"https:\/\/nurserynearme.com.au\/products\/black-gastrolobium-gastrolobium-sericeum-black","provider":"Nursery Near Me","version":"1.0","type":"link"}