The Story
Plant Bio
Pultenaea gunnii, commonly known as the golden bush-pea, is an evergreen shrub native to the dry and damp sclerophyll forests of southeastern Australia. It develops an erect, wiry, or sprawling multi-stemmed habit with stiff, spreading branchlets.
This species is distinguished by its tiny, dark green leaves that measure just two to six millimeters long and feature distinct recurved margins. In spring, it produces dense, head-like clusters of bright yellow-orange flowers marked with dark red-brown on the standard petals.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
79"
Width
28"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Moderate
Native To
Australia (New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania)
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Spring
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site with excellent drainage, such as a raised bed, sandy loam slope, or gravelly soil mix.
- Position the plant in full sun to partial shade, ensuring it is sheltered from harsh, direct coastal winds.
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish the root system, taking care never to allow the soil to become waterlogged.
- Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture while keeping the mulch clear of the main stems.
Pro Tip
Prune the stems lightly immediately after spring flowering, as cutting back hard into old, leafless wood prevents the plant from regenerating.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Do plant in highly permeable, sandy, or gravelly soil to prevent root rot.
- Do prune lightly every year immediately after the spring bloom to maintain a dense, bushy shape.
- Do protect young plants from deer and rabbit browsing using physical cages or repellents.
Don't
- Don't prune hard into old, woody stems that lack active green foliage.
- Don't apply standard high-phosphorus fertilizers, as many Australian Fabaceae are sensitive to phosphorus.
- Don't plant in heavy clay soils or low-lying areas prone to standing water.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Golden Bush-pea questions
What zones can Golden Bush-pea grow in?
Golden Bush-pea is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Golden Bush-pea deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Golden Bush-pea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Golden Bush-pea bloom?
Golden Bush-pea typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Golden Bush-pea need full sun?
Golden Bush-pea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Golden Bush-pea drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Golden Bush-pea handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Pultenaea to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Golden Bush-pea with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.