Mountain Cancer Bush

Mountain Cancer Bush

We dare proclaim Mountain Cancer Bush the most stunning species in the whole Fabaceae family. Bold claim for a bold plant! Evergreen silvery foliage and compound leaves provide the perfect background for the large bright red flowers that look like they came from Alice in Wonderland. Following the flower show are large inflated seed pods that almost look comical compared to the elegant foliage but might provide a lovely place to take a nap if you were very small and give it its other common name Balloon Pea. Provide very good drainage in full sun and it should live for a number of years for you. We can’t stop planting this one!

Latin Name: Lessertia montana
Site and Soil: Full sun and very well draining soils
Hardiness: Hardy to about 5°F.
Size at Maturity: 3’x3′
Bloom Time: Late April through June
Pests & Diseases: None that we have observed
USDA Zone: 7, possibly lower with excellent drainage