Mini Haha Purple Coral Pea

Mini Haha Purple Coral Pea (Hardenbergia violacea 'Mini Haha') is the compact, non-climbing form of a much-loved native, growing just 15 to 30cm tall and about 1m wide. Dark purple pea flowers cover the dense, bushy mounds in spring over short, slender evergreen leaves. It stays where you put it, so it suits groundcover, pots and low edges.

Why you'll love it

• It does not climb or trail. Most coral peas scramble. This one is bushy and branching, so it stays tidy and does not need a trellis or constant trimming to keep it in bounds.
• Deep purple spring flowers. Small, dark purple pea flowers appear in spring in a dense display over the foliage.
• Evergreen cover. Short, slender leaves hold their colour all year, so the planting looks good out of flower too.
• Versatile. Use it as a groundcover, a dwarf informal hedge, a cottage-garden filler or a pot plant.
• Good for wildlife. A native that suits wildlife gardens and is visited by bees and butterflies.

Where it works best

Groundcover. Plant 70cm apart to cover bare ground. Each plant spreads to about 1m wide, so the mounds meet at this spacing and shade out most weeds.

Dwarf hedging and edges. A single row 70cm apart makes a low, informal edge about 30cm high along paths, beds and the front of borders.

Pots and cottage gardens. Compact enough for pots and containers, where it forms a mound of purple in spring. It also fits easily into a cottage-style planting.

Growing Mini Haha Purple Coral Pea in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the most flowers, though it grows happily in part shade. Protect it from frost. It suits subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens, and elsewhere only in a sheltered spot.

Soil. Well-drained soil suits it. Mulch around the roots to hold moisture and keep the weeds down.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well until established, usually around 12 weeks. After that it manages dry spells, although coral peas flower better with reliable water. Reapply mulch and feed with a slow-release native fertiliser in spring, with phosphorus under 3 per cent, because hardenbergias are phosphorus-sensitive.

Pruning. Lightly prune only if it needs shaping.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Mini Haha Purple Coral Pea as tube stock (a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly), in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes are the economical way to cover a large area, the 140mm pots give a faster result and the 200mm pots suit pots and spots where you want an established mound at the start. Plants settle in within a few weeks of planting.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the hardenbergia range
• More groundcover plants
• Plants that grow well in pots
• Plants for native bees

Common questions

Does Mini Haha climb?

No. It has a bushy, branching habit and does not trail or climb, which is what separates it from the usual coral pea.

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 70cm apart for groundcover or a low edge. Each plant reaches about 1m wide, so they meet at that spacing.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes. It suits pots and containers. Use a quality potting mix and a pot with drainage holes, feed with a slow-release native fertiliser in spring and water regularly through summer.