Heart-leaf flame pea

Widely cultivated for its vibrant pink and orange flowers, the heart-leaf flame pea, Chorizema cordatum, is a small, tidy, multi-stemmed shrub with dark green leaves. It bursts into colour in Winter and Spring (the Noongar Makuru and Djilba seasons) with sprays of colourful flowers at the stem tips.

The heart-leaf flame pea is a member of the Chorizema genus, a group of some 25 species of which all but one are found only in Western Australia. Most species are small shrubs, but some are ramblers or weak climbers. All species of flame pea have bright red or orange flowers, often with a yellow centre and smaller pink petals, giving them their common name. The pink and orange flowers of the heart-leaf flame pea are particularly striking.

In the wild heart-leaf flame pea is an understory species found in forests and woodlands of the State’s southwest.  In Kings Park it is planted in several areas of the Western Australia Botanic Garden, especially in the Jarrah Forest understory gardens at the southern end of the elevated walkway, and around Zamia Café. Check with the Guides in the Visitor Information Centre if you need help finding the plant.

Heart-leaf flame pea is popular as a garden plant that is long-flowering and easy to grow. In September 2024 it was officially recognised as one of the Kings Park Favourites: a group of 24 reliable and easily grown West Australian plants chosen for their beauty and reliability in gardens. Follow this link for details and images of all Kings Park Favourites.

Enjoy finding heart-leaf flame pea in the WA Botanic Garden and in garden centres across southern Australia.