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Hardenbergia

Hardenbergia is the native climber that flowers when little else does. From late winter into spring it covers itself in sprays of small pea flowers, purple in the wild form, with white, pink and lilac selections in this range. It twines up a fence or trellis, spills over a bank or retaining wall, or grows as a low mound in the shrubby forms. It is evergreen, tough and quick to establish. Every plant is delivered Australia wide.

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How to choose a hardenbergia

Decide first whether you want a climber or a ground cover. Sea of Purple and Lilac Lace are vigorous twiners that cover a fence panel or a 2m trellis within a couple of seasons. White Out and Snow White give the same habit with pure white flowers, which read well against dark timber. Meema is different: a dense, shrubby form about half a metre tall that spreads 1.5m wide without climbing, bred for banks and mass planting. All are selections of Hardenbergia violacea, also sold as false sarsaparilla or happy wanderer.

Where hardenbergia works

It grows naturally from Queensland to Tasmania and South Australia, so it suits most Australian gardens. Give it full sun or light shade and soil that drains. It takes dry spells, light frost and coastal conditions once established. Use the climbers on fences, arches and tank screens, and let them trail down retaining walls. It belongs with our other climbers and is one of the most reliable Australian natives for winter colour.

Planting and spacing

On a fence, plant climbers 1.5m to 2m apart and give them wire or mesh to twine around, because they do not cling to a flat surface. As ground cover, space plants about 1m apart. Plant in autumn or spring, water in well and mulch. Water weekly through the first summer; after that they need little.

Care basics

Prune straight after flowering to keep growth dense and stop the base going bare. Cut back by up to a third. Feed lightly with a native fertiliser in spring. Hardenbergia can be short lived in heavy, wet soil, so raise the bed or choose a slope if drainage is poor.

Common questions

When does hardenbergia flower?

From late winter through spring, usually July to October depending on the climate. It is one of the first natives to colour each year.

Does hardenbergia need a trellis?

The climbing forms need wire, mesh or lattice to twine around. Meema does not climb and needs no support.

Is hardenbergia fast growing?

Yes. In good conditions the climbers cover a 2m fence panel in one to two years.

Can hardenbergia grow in a pot?

Yes, in a large pot with a frame or obelisk. Use a native potting mix and water regularly through summer.