Hardenbergia violacea

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Plant
ID 132 Hardenbergia violacea
Botanic Name Hardenbergia violacea
Common Name Sarsaparilla, Native Lilac, Purple Coral Pea
Family Name Fabaceae, sub fam. Faboideae
Cultivars 'Alba', 'Rosea', 'Happy Wanderer', 'Mini Ha Ha', Flat White'
Origin Australia, East Coast from QLD to SA, Zone 9-11
Growth Type Climber
Bark Type Woody
Foliage Type Evergreen Water Use Low
No. of Species 2
Growth Habit Climbing-twining Growth Rate Fast
Height 1.5 - 2 m (5 - 7 ft) Spread 3 m (10 ft)
Plant Overview
This vigorous twining plant has slender woody stems that climb over structures and plants forming a dense cover. It has dark green lanced-shaped leaves and the small purple pea-shaped flowers appear in a pendant raceme during spring.
Leaf
Type Simple Additional Information
Shape Lanceolate
The dark green leathery textured variable leaves are ovate to narrow-lanceolate up to 100 mm (4 in) long by 10 mm (3/8 in) to 50 mm (2 in) wide with a pale green underside. The apex is acute to acuminate and the short petiole to 10 mm (3/8 in).
Arrangement Alternate
Margin Entire
Colour Dark green
Size 70 - 100 mm ( 2.8 - 3.9 in )
Flower
Perfume Odorless Additional Information
Shape Papillionate
The 8 mm (1/3 in) long pea-shaped flowers have a purple standard with a yellowish spot and the wings are attached to a yellow claw. There are up to 30 flowers arranged in a cascading raceme that appear profusely in from late winter to early summer.
Inflorescence Raceme
Colour Mauve - Purple
Size 7 - 8 mm ( 0.3 - 0.3 in )
Flowering in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Fruit
Type Legume Additional Information
Colour Grey - brown
The 50 mm (2 in) long flat grey brown pod contain 6 - 8 hard coated seeds that are up to 4 mm (1/8 in) long. The seeds are viable but the plant may be reproduced vegetatively. If ingested it may cause stomach upset.
Edible No
Bird Attractive Yes
Size 40 - 50 mm ( 1.6 - 2.0 in )
Fruiting in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Environment & Cultivation
Natural Soil Well drained, sandy-stony to light clay loam, moderately fertile, pH 6.5-7.5
Container Tubs, planter boxes, roof gardens, ample organic matter keep moist
Climate Warm to sub-tropical
Aspect Full sun to part shade, drought and slightly frost tolerant
Pest & Diseases Webbing caterpillar, root rot, apple moth, vine hopper, powdery mildew
Fertiliser Mulch with organic material, slow release complete fertiliser after flowering
Pruning Lightly prune to keep compact and to encourage new flowering wood
Cultural Uses Propagation
Sarsaparilla is grown for its prolific flowers and its climbing habit. It is grown over lattice or on wire fence for screening and is used as a ground cover or spill-over above retaining walls. It is quick growing establishing in 1 to 2 years.
Sow fresh seed during spring in a well drained but moist media and maintain a temperature of 19º to 27º C. (66º to 81º F). The seeds need to be scarified or briefly immersed in boiling water before sowing to break the dormancy. Cuttings in spring
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