PlantFiles: Australian Sarsparilla, False Sarsaparilla, Happy Wanderer, Coral Pea, Lilac Vine
Hardenbergia violacea

First plant: planted 1993 by a fence under a large Eucalyptus. Grew vigorously. By 2004 had taken over the fence and was climbing 10 feet up the Eucalyptus trunk. Didn't seem to mind the shade or the Eucalyptus debris although a Solanum laxum planted nearby at the same time had perished. Got removed (along with the fence) in 2007 when the Eucalyptus was cut down.

Second plant: planted July 2008 in same spot, this time with much more sun. Bloomed in February 2009, seemed to do well until September, then turned brown and died.

Third plant: just planted in the same spot. If it dies off like the second, I'll suspect the remains of the Eucalyptus -- or perhaps something applied to them to keep them from resprouting. Whatever it is, I'm hoping it'll diminish in time so I can keep a Hardenbergia there.

We bought one of these years ago and loved its enchanting blossoms year to year. Unfortunately, we had to remove it when we moved the fence it was clinging to...I hope we can replace the lost lovely one in the future...I miss it!

I have had this in the ground for about three years--bought it in a one gallon. It isn't that bushy, and seems to grow slow, but when in bloom, it's just amazing! I fertilize often with a acid fertilizer, and it seems to be healthy--just slow growing to me, and not many leaves to the vine. So, if you are looking for a fast growing privacy vine, this isn't the #1 choice. But, I do like the flowers. Just giving it a neutral because it doesn't seem to grow fast.

A very hardy bloomer in our region. Fertilize after flowering, great against a trellis or fence. Prune as needed anytime. Mine is just starting to bloom in December!

Long pointed leaves are Evergreen while mauve-purple flowers flower from Winter to Spring. Some in my area even flower in Summer!!! Very fast-growing habit. Ground cover or Climber. Loves long, deep waterings in hot, dry weather and hard prunings. Another hardy Australian native. pokerboy.

Maybe my plants are a fluke, but I live in Phoenix, and I planted these on an East facing wall.

Potted plants bought in 1 gallon containers; about 8 months before they were 8 feet tall, dense, and COVERED in blooms (and bees) Even in summer I water them at MOST once a month, I never add amendments or fertilizer, and they continue to grow like crazy. My lacewings (which just showed up one day) make their home there and keep away all the bad bugs.

Evergreen climber from Southern Australia.

Has lance shaped, mid green leaves upto 5 inches long. Bears racemes of small, purple, white, pink or lilac, pea like flowers with a little yellow or green spot on the standards.

Flowers come at any time between February through to June but mine is budding now in October.

Likes a moist, well drained, fertile, neutral to acid soil in full sun or light shade.

Is only hardy down to 25F so bring indoors in frost prone areas.