Hardenbergia

Lilac Vine
Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Evergreen, Vines

Native to Australia. Grow at moderate rate to 10 ft., climbing by twining stems. Attractive flowers shaped like sweet peas bloom from late winter to early spring, carried in clusters of several to many. Need light, well-drained soil. Provide support for climbing and cut back after bloom to prevent tangling. Good against trellises in large containers (use soil mix rich in organic matter).

Hardenbergia comptoniana

Light, delicate foliage pattern; leaves divided into three to five dark green, narrow, 2 to 3-in.-long leaflets. Flowers are violet-blue, 1/2-in. long, and held in long, narrow clusters. Where temperatures drop below 24°F/–4°C, plant beneath overhang.

Hardenbergia violacea

Coarser textured than H. comptoniana; leaves usually undivided, 2–4 in. long. Flowers are lilac or violet to rose or white. ‘Happy Wanderer’ is a tough, vigorous selection with pinkish purple blooms. ‘Canoelands’ is similar but with narrower leaves an a longer bloom period. ‘Icicle’ has pure white blossoms. ‘Rosea’ (H. v. rosea) has pink flowers. ‘Mini-Ha-Ha’ is a shrubby dwarf form growing just 3 ft. tall and wide.