Hardenbergia violacea Regent - Vine Lilac

Hardenbergia violacea 'Regent' is a form of Hardenbergia violacea that stands out primarily from the species by its shorter branches, not requiring support. This bushy and erect plant offers a long spring flowering that somewhat resembles that of wisteria or sweet peas, in tight clusters of blue-violet flowers. Its brown stems bear long evergreen dark green leaves with light green veins. Thanks to its compact size, this beautiful tender exotic plant can be easily grown in a pot in a conservatory or on a terrace. It will look stunning when planted in the ground, in the sun in mild climates.

Hardenbergia violacea, also known as Australian sarsaparilla, is a plant from the fabaceae family native to the antipodes, the east and southeast of Australia, found along the coast in the western part of New South Wales, the southeastern part of southern Queensland, and in southern Tasmania. It can be found growing in wooded areas or heathlands.

The cultivar 'Regent' quickly forms an erect and well-branched bush, reaching about 50 cm (19.7 in) in height and 30 cm (11.8 in) in spread. It forms brown branches that from January to March, on slender quadrangular and somewhat brittle stems, bear short racemes of 20 to 30 tiny intense blue-violet flowers (8 mm (0.3 in) in diameter) that gradually open from the top to the bottom of the inflorescence. This nectar-rich flowering is followed by the formation of small dark brown flat pods containing 6 to 8 brown seeds that retain their seed viability for a long time, germinated by the passage of fire in their natural environment. The foliage consists of ovate-lanceolate leaves with cordate bases, measuring 8 to 10 cm (3.1 to 3.9 in) in length, arranged alternately on the stems.

Not very hardy, the Hardenbergia violacea 'Regent' should be brought indoors in winter in most climates, and requires a well-drained, slightly acidic soil that retains moisture. This somewhat delicate plant is worth the effort! In mild climates, it will find a place in shrub borders or rockeries. It can withstand -5°C (23°F) in well-drained soil. Elsewhere, it can be grown in large pots that are brought indoors in winter to protect them from frost.