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Hardenbergia, Genus, violacea, Species,
- Genus & species
false sarsaparilla
Overview
Hardenbergia violacea, known as false sarsaparilla or purple coral pea, is an evergreen twining climber or low scrambling shrub of the pea family, widespread across eastern and southern Australia. Its wiry stems wind to 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) through supports, or trail as a groundcover where nothing is at hand to climb. The leathery, dark green leaves are lance-shaped, 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long, with a network of pale veins. From winter into spring the plant carries long sprays of small violet to purple pea flowers, each with a greenish-yellow spot on the upper petal, with white and pink forms also in cultivation. The flowers are followed by flat seed pods. H. violacea grows in open forest, woodland, and heath on well-drained soils and tolerates light frost, drought, and a range of ground from sandy to clay. It can scramble widely and may smother low plants if left unchecked, and it is sensitive to heavy frost and poorly drained sites. The winter bloom and twining habit have made it a common climber for fences, trellises, and banks in mild climates.
Native Range
Native to Australia, occurring across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. It grows in open forest, woodland, heath, and along watercourses, from the coast to the ranges.Suggested Uses
Grown on fences, trellises, pergolas, and embankments, and as a groundcover on slopes for erosion control. The winter-spring flowers support native bees. It is also grown in containers and trained on small frames in courtyards.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
violet to purpleFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in full sun to part shade on well-drained soil and adapt to sandy or clay ground once drainage is adequate. Water young plants through dry spells, then water sparingly, as established vines tolerate drought. The plant handles light frost but is cut back by hard freezes and rots in waterlogged soil. A low-phosphorus feed suits it, in keeping with its Australian-native roots. It fixes nitrogen as a legume and needs little fertilizer. A trellis or fence supports the twining stems, or it can trail as a groundcover.Pruning
A trim after flowering keeps the climber dense and within bounds and removes spent flower sprays. Hard pruning into old wood is tolerated and rejuvenates leggy plants. Tip-pinching young stems builds a fuller framework.Pruning Schedule
Prune: November–December
spring
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons
