Austrosteenisia spp.

Rainforests of eastern Australia and New Guinea

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Austrosteenisia spp. is a small genus of woody climbing vines in the pea family, native to rainforests of eastern Australia and New Guinea. A. blackii, blood vine, is a vigorous liana that climbs 15-50 feet (4.5-15 m) into the rainforest canopy by twining woody stems that release a red sap when cut. The compound leaves are pinnate, with several glossy oval leaflets each 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long. In spring, hanging sprays of pea-shaped flowers open in shades of red, pink, and purple, followed by flattened pods. Growth is fast in warm, moist, sheltered conditions, and stems become thick and woody with age. Plants are frost-tender and need a warm, humid, sheltered site with support. Without pruning the vine can smother small trees and structures.

Native Range

Native to the rainforests of eastern Australia, from Queensland to northern New South Wales, and New Guinea. Grows along rainforest margins, in gallery forest, and on riverbanks in warm, humid, lowland to upland country.

Suggested Uses

Grown over pergolas, fences, and sturdy frames in frost-free, humid gardens, spaced 8-15 feet (2.4-4.5 m) apart. The vigorous woody habit suits large structures and rainforest-style plantings rather than small trellises. Container culture under cover suits cooler climates with strong support.

How to Identify

Recognized by a woody twining vine with pinnate leaves of several glossy oval leaflets and hanging sprays of red to purple pea-shaped flowers in spring. Cut or broken stems release a red sap, the source of the name blood vine. The flattened pods and twining woody habit place it in the pea family.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 50'

Width/Spread5' - 15'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring

Red to purple pea flowers open mainly in spring, with timing tied to warmth in subtropical and tropical climates. The hanging sprays last several weeks, followed by flattened seed pods through summer. Warm, settled weather brings the heaviest flowering.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

red, pink, to purple

Foliage Description

glossy green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 6.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam peat

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in part shade to full sun in moist, fertile, well-drained soil with a sturdy support to climb. Cold below freezing, drying wind, and waterlogged soil all damage the vine. Watering is regular through warm weather to keep the soil evenly moist. The vigorous stems are pruned to keep the vine off small trees and within bounds. Few pests trouble established plants. New plants grow from scarified seed or cuttings.

Pruning

Stems are cut back after flowering to control the vine spread and keep it clear of small trees and structures. Old, tangled, or frost-damaged growth is removed at the base. Hard pruning is tolerated on established plants, which reshoot from woody stems.

Pruning Schedule

summer