Guide to growing garden plants - Parochetus Shamrock Pea

Parochetus are low growing hardy or half hardy perennials that reach about 3 to 5cm in height.

They flower from summer and through autumn with pea-like flowers of blue and have a foliage similar to that of clovers.

The size and trailing nature of Parochetus makes them ideal for use in rock gardens or for use as an addition to other plants in a container.

One of the common names for Parochetus is the Shamrock pea.

How to grow Shamrock Pea

When growing from seed it is best to start to grow Shamrock pea indoors. The process should be started about eight weeks before they are due to be planted outdoors. The seeds should first be soaked for a day in warm water then germinated at 10 degrees centigrade. It should take about one to three months for Shamrock pea seeds to germinate.

Once ready transplant the Shamrock seedlings into the garden about 30 to 40cm apart either in spring or autumn. They are able to grow in either a sunny or lightly shaded area that has good drainage. Ideally the soil that Parochetus species grow in should be poor, gritty and moist as this will produce more flowers.

Caring for Shamrock pea - Parochetus

Shamrock pea and other Parochetus are very easy to look after but should be watered regularly to keep the soil that it grows in moist. If you require more Parochetus plants then they can be propagated by division or taking cuttings in the autumn or at the start of spring.