Hardenbergia Meema

Hardenbergia 'Meema' (Hardenbergia violacea 'Meema') is the version of native sarsaparilla that stays on the ground instead of climbing the nearest fence. It forms a low spreading mound about 0.5m high and 1.5m across, then covers itself in deep purple pea flowers from late winter into spring, weeks before most of the garden wakes up. It is tough, drought tolerant and needs almost nothing once it has rooted in.

Why you'll love it

• It spreads instead of twining. Unlike the common climbing form, 'Meema' is a self supporting groundcover, so it will not wind itself through a hedge or a fence.
• Purple flowers in the quiet months. The display runs from late winter into spring, when very little else is in colour.
• Genuinely low maintenance. Frost hardy, drought tolerant and salt tolerant, with no pests worth spraying for.
• Holds a slope. Dense fibrous roots and trailing stems make it a practical bank stabiliser as well as an ornamental one.
• Feeds bees and butterflies. Native pea flowers are a reliable early season nectar source.

Where it works best

Groundcover and mass planting. Plant 1m apart, roughly one plant per square metre, for cover that closes over in two seasons. Tighter spacing wastes plants without closing much faster.

Retaining walls and slopes. Set plants along the top of a wall at 1m centres and let the stems trail over the face. On a bank, the same spacing across the whole area knits into a mat that holds soil through heavy rain.

Rockeries, borders and edging. It softens hard edges without lifting above knee height, so sightlines over a garden bed stay open.

Growing Hardenbergia 'Meema' in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with the heaviest flowering in full sun. It performs across subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and established plants are frost hardy, so cold southern and tableland districts are no problem.

Soil. Almost any free draining soil, including sandy and coastal ground. It will not accept sitting water, so mound the planting area on heavy clay. Mulch 75mm deep between plants until they meet.

Water and feed. Water weekly through the first summer to get roots down, then only in extended dry weather. Feed lightly with a low phosphorus native fertiliser in early spring if growth looks tired, though many gardens never need to.

Pruning. Shear lightly straight after flowering to keep the mound dense and stop the centre opening up. It reshoots readily, so a tired planting can be cut back harder to renovate it.

What to expect when it arrives

We grow it in tube and in 140mm pots sold in packs of 10. Both arrive as small plants with a few trailing stems rather than an instant mat, which is normal for groundcovers and part of why they establish so well. For any area over a few square metres, the 140mm pack is the practical choice.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Expect the first month to look slow while roots move out, then rapid spread through the first warm season and near full coverage by the end of the second. Every plant carries our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Compare the full groundcover range.
• See what suits retaining walls and slopes.
• Read our guide to choosing ground cover plants.
• Browse more Australian native plants.

Common questions

Will 'Meema' climb like other hardenbergias?

No. It is a selected non twining form that spreads sideways rather than seeking support. That is the whole reason to choose it over the standard purple coral pea.

How many plants do I need per square metre?

One, at 1m spacing. On a steep bank where you want fast cover to hold soil, tighten to 80cm and accept the extra cost.

Does it handle frost?

Yes, established plants are frost hardy and grow well in cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens. Protect first year plants through a severe cold snap with a light mulch over the root zone.