Notched Bush Pea

Notched Bush Pea (Pultenaea retusa) is a tough native shrub for seaside and sandy gardens. It grows to about 1m high and 1m to 1.5m wide, with narrow evergreen leaves and masses of golden yellow pea flowers through spring and summer. New growth comes through bronze. It copes with salt spray, sandy soil and long wet spells.

Why you'll love it

• Golden pea flowers. Profuse golden yellow blooms cover the bush in spring and summer, bright against the narrow foliage.
• Bronze new growth. Fresh shoots open bronze, which adds colour between flowerings.
• Made for the coast. It thrives in salt spray and sandy soil, the conditions that defeat many garden shrubs.
• Unbothered by wet weather. Extended wet seasons do not trouble it, as long as the soil drains.
• Compact and trimmable. At about 1m high it fits low hedges and rockeries, and a light trim after flowering keeps it dense.

Where it works best

Seaside gardens. Use it on exposed coastal sites and in sandy soil, where it will take salt-laden wind without burning.

Rockeries. Its modest size and free draining habit suit a rock garden, where the yellow flowers show up against stone.

Low hedging. Plant 80cm apart in a single row for a low, informal hedge about 1m high. Trim lightly after flowering to keep it compact.

Growing Notched Bush Pea in Australia

Position and climate. Plant in full sun to light shade. It suits subtropical and warm temperate gardens, especially near the coast. Protect it from frost; in frosty districts, choose a sheltered spot or grow it in a pot that can come under cover.

Soil. Free draining soil is essential, and sandy soil suits it well. Boost the plant with a liquid fertiliser after extremely hot or dry conditions.

Water and feed. Water regularly until the plant is established, which usually takes around 12 weeks. Feed with a slow release native fertiliser in spring. Pultenaea can be sensitive to phosphorus, so choose one with a phosphorus content under 3 per cent.

Pruning. Trim lightly after flowering to encourage compact growth and a fresh flush of flowers.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Notched Bush Pea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, but in free draining soil it settles in and starts to branch. Plant it out in a sunny, well drained spot and water it regularly through the first summer.

The tubes come from our grower, and stock is not constant. When the grower has none the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is available again.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Coastal and salt tolerant plants
• Australian native shrubs
• Low hedge plants under one metre
• Rockery plants

Common questions

Can it handle salt spray?

Yes. It is suited to seaside gardens and thrives in salt spray and sandy soil.

Which fertiliser should I use?

A slow release native fertiliser in spring, with a phosphorus ratio under 3 per cent, because Pultenaea can be phosphorus sensitive.

How do I keep it compact?

Trim lightly after flowering. This encourages compact growth and a fresh flush of flowers, and it keeps the plant dense.