Hardenbergia violacea - Vine Lilac

Hardenbergia violacea, sometimes called purple hardenbergia or Australian sarsaparilla, is an amazing climbing plant that can be trained to grow as a climber, a bush, or even a creeper, due to its growth which is well-branched in all directions. Its long spring flowering, which is somewhat reminiscent of wisteria or sweet peas, is very unique, with tight clusters of mauve-purple flowers. Its brown stems carry long evergreen leaves that are dark green with light green veins. This beautiful, exotic plant is frost-tender and can be grown in a cold greenhouse or conservatory, thriving in sunny locations and mild climates when planted in the ground.

Hardenbergia violacea is a plant from the fabaceae family native to the antipodes, the east and southeast of Australia, found along the coast in the western region of New South Wales, the southeastern part of southern Queensland, and southern Tasmania. It can be found growing in wooded areas or heathlands. The plant, which grows rapidly, can reach 2 to 3 metres (6 feet 7 inches to 9 feet 10 inches) in all directions. From February to June, on slender quadrangular and somewhat brittle stems its brown branches bear short racemes of 20 to 30 tiny flowers (8 mm (0.3 in) in diameter) that open gradually from the top to the bottom of the inflorescence. They are pale violet, tinged with purple, and the wider uppermost petal, has two pale yellow dots at the base. This nectar-rich flowering is followed by the formation of small dark brown flat pods containing 6 to 8 brown seeds that retain their viability for a long time, germinating after the passage of fire in their natural environment. The foliage is composed of ovate-lanceolate leaves measuring 8 to 10 cm (3.1 to 3.9 in) in length and arranged alternately on the stems.

This tender plant should be brought indoors during winter in most climates and requires well-drained, slightly acidic soil that retains moisture. It is a somewhat delicate cultivation, but well worth it. Fans of beautiful frost-tender climbers will also appreciate Incarvillea, Mandevilla suaveolens, Merremia (plants related to morning glories), and Kennedia, close relatives of Hardenbergia, which often have red flowers.