What a pretty shrub, Sheila..
I'll be interested to read its name :o)

Are you growing this in UK or did you see it in NZ?
Can't see flowers very well but they look something like orchids so that might a starting point.

Psoralea pinnata - see http://www.mooseyscountrygarden.com/middle-garden/red-peony-flower.html
Or
http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/Psoralea_pinnata.htm

Hi, beat me to it Urbanite :-) , Derek.

It's a native of South Africa, but not hardy in the UK

Thank you so much Urbanite, Derek and Andrew! I saw this growing in several front gardens in the South Island of NZ and thought it very attractive. What a shame it's not hardy in the UK.

Thanks Terra - now we know!

Am sure that this is half-hardy. One for a pot if you live somewhere cold or next to a south or west facing wall.

Interesting .. thank you :o)

Thanks Botanic. I'll see if anyone sells it in this country ...

Sheila - I know Trevena Cross Nursery in Cornwall used to sell it a few years ago, but even they had trouble getting it through the winter.

Thanks Andrew - well, they're the experts, and of course Cornwall is very mild. I don't quite like to give up though, but thanks for the info!

Lovely shrub. Maybe I'll see one at Wisley one day.

Perhaps this is a plant we will start to be able to grow here if the winters continue to get milder.....lovely isn't it. Very unusual pea-like flowers with stiff needle like foliage. Very pretty. Looks evergreen?

Maybe you're both right, thanks Feverfew and Karen :)

I first came across this shrub in its native habitat while on a holiday in South Africa. It was a particularly good specimen, and my immediate reaction was "if this was hardy, it would sell on sight." Unfortunately it's not.