The genus Hardenbergia is a member of the legume (Fabaceae) family. The genus was named after Countess von Franziska Hardenberg.
Hardenbergia consists of only three species all native to Australia. They are evergreen climbing shrubs or trailers and highly adaptable. The glossy leaves are the shape of a spearhead. The pea-flowers are usually purple and appear in clusters during late winter and early spring.
Hardenbergia violacea has the common names of False Sarsaparilla or Purple Coral-pea. It is endemic to all states bar Western Australia and the Northern Territory. It has dark green leaves on wiry stems which climb or sprawl over whatever is in their path. The leaves are leathery and lance-shaped. Late in winter (July to October), racemes of deep purple pea-flowers smother the plant, producing a spectacular show. This hardy, twining, woody stemmed climber is one of Australia’s most popular native plants.
Cultivars from this species include ‘Happy Wanderer’ which is a vigorous, free-flowering, climbing form and ‘Minihaha’, a compact dwarf species which reaches only 15cm in height. It has small leaves and deep mauve flowers in spring. There are also white and pink forms available as well as shrubby varieties. This species is tolerant of frost and can be grown in sheltered positions in seaside gardens.
Hardenbergia comptoniana has the common names of Compton coral pea, native lilac and wild wisteria vine. It is native to south-western Western Australia, and is found from Perth to Albany. It is a vigorous, evergreen climbing vine. Each leaf consists of three dark green leaflets to 6cm long. In late winter, the plant produces masses of (usually) purple-blue flowers up to 12mm across. The flowers have green spots in the centres.
Other popular cultivars include:
* Rosea – an exquisite specimen with a soft pink colour
* Alba – pure white flowers
* Purple Clusters – has an upright, shrubby habit with a mass of purple flowers in winter and spring. It grows to about a metre high with a similar spread.
Hardenbergia grow best where there are very few frosts. Under such conditions they can be utilized to cover banks or to hide any unsightly areas. They are also striking when trained over fences or arbours. They like full sun but will tolerate light shade and can be grown in well-drained to dry ground. In common with many evergreen climbers it can become a mass of foliage at the top section of its growth but be leggy and straggly nearer the ground. To counteract this and encourage compact growth, prune regularly after flowering.
