Heart leaved flame pea
We have only recently obtained a stock plant and begun propagating this attractive and much sought after tender greenhouse or conservatory plant from cuttings.
C. cordatum (unlike other species which can be climbing plants) forms a dense low growing shrub of up to 3ft in height. All chorizema are prized for their bi or tri coloured flowers and, from late winter to late summer, C. cordatum carries a profusion of orange-red and yellow flowers with purplish-pink keels. The flowers appear in terminal racemes at the end of the shoots. The leaves are leathery and heart shaped at the base.
In the greenhouse this plant needs a loam based potting compost with added sand and a monthly liquid feed in the growing season. It should be potted on each spring. While needing full light in the greenhouse scorching of the leaves can occur from strong sunlight in hot spells. Some shading on the greenhouse (and good ventilation) is advisable for this plant as for so many others.
Red spider mite can be a problem with Chorizema. The best approach is to stand the plant outside and remove all dead or fading leaves.
