Mystic Marvel Coral Pea

Mystic Marvel Coral Pea (Hardenbergia violacea 'Mystic Marvel') is an evergreen native climber that reaches 2 to 3.5m tall and wide, with purple and white bi-coloured pea flowers in spring. It climbs without becoming rampant, and it can also be pruned into a shrubby shape or left to run as a groundcover. If you love wisteria but your climate does not suit it, this is the native alternative.

Why you'll love it

• Two-tone flowers. Each spring pea flower is purple and white, with a contrasting purple centre, and they open in generous sprays.
• A tidy climber. It does not grow too rampantly, so it can cover a fence or pergola without taking over.
• Three ways to grow. Train it as a climber, prune it to a shrubby habit, or let it ramble as a groundcover where there is nothing to climb.
• Evergreen and native. The foliage stays on the plant all year, and the flowers suit wildlife and cottage gardens alike.
• A wisteria alternative. It gives the same hanging-flower effect in climates too mild for wisteria.

Where it works best

Pergolas, arbours and fences. Plant 2m apart along a fence, trellis or pergola post and tie in the first stems. It is a light, open climber, so it makes a soft screen rather than a solid wall.

Scrambling through shrubs and hedges. Let it weave through taller shrubs and hedges, where the flowers appear among other foliage.

Groundcover and pots. With nothing to climb it spreads as a groundcover. It also grows in large pots and containers with a support.

Growing Mystic Marvel Coral Pea in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun gives the most flowers, though it grows happily in part shade. It tolerates very light frosts, so it suits subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens. In colder places, give it a sheltered position.

Soil. Well drained soil. Spread a layer of mulch around the base and renew it each spring.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well until the plant is established, which usually takes around 12 weeks. In spring, feed with a slow release native fertiliser. Hardenbergias are phosphorus sensitive, so keep the phosphorus under 3 per cent.

Pruning. Prune regularly from when the plant is small to build a good habit. Left alone, hardenbergias can get top heavy.

What to expect when it arrives

Mystic Marvel Coral Pea is sold as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube plants arrive small, with a few thin stems. Tie them to a support early and they will find their way up.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none right now, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

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 our hardenbergia
• More climbers for fences and pergolas
• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• More Australian native plants

Common questions

Is it a good wisteria alternative?

Yes, especially where winters are mild. It is a native, evergreen climber with purple and white flowers in spring, and it does not rely on the cool climate that wisteria loves.

Will it take over my garden?

It does not grow too rampantly. It is a light, open climber that scrambles through other plants, and regular pruning from a young age keeps it in order.

Can I grow it without a support?

Yes. Without a support it spreads as a groundcover, or you can prune it to a shrubby shape. Regular pruning also stops it getting top heavy.