Brachysema praemorsum 'Bronze Butterfly'

This is among the oddest of Australia's many pea-shrubs. It is almost perfectly prostrate, with slender branches forming a circle of 3-4' diameter. Wedge-shaped, toothed leaves are paired along the stems, giving the effect of little butterflies (or perhaps bowties). Their color is bronze- to purplish green overall, with narrow light green margins. Dull red beak-shaped blossoms are nestled among the branches--most heavily in spring, with a scattering at other times. This is an interesting novelty shrub, especially attractive on raised mounds and banks. It thrives in sun or shade near the coast, light shade inland, with well drained soil and moderate watering. Hardy to 20-25° F.

Australian Plant Introduction
from The Arboretum at U.C. Santa Cruz
and KOALA BLOOMS™