Family: Papilionaceae

This is a small genus of Australian twining shrubs or vines which make very attractive garden ornamentals or goundcovers. They also look quite beautiful in large pots, or trained on trellises or fences.

Species

H. comptoniana, native lilac, from Western Australia, is a delightful plant, with compound, dark green leaves and very beauti­ful sprays of bright, mauve-purple, spring flow­ers.

H. violacea, native sarsparilla, is also quite beautiful and can be used as a shrub, ground-cover, climber or twiner. The leaves vary from broadly ovate to quite narrow, with conspicu­ous veins. Masses of small, mostly bright purple pea flowers are produced in spring. The cultivar 'Alba' has white flowers; 'Rosea' has pink flow­ers.

Cultivation

In climates which are prone to frosts, hardenbergias are best grown in a cool, airy greenhouse or conservatory, in pots of lime-free, well-drained, soil-based potting compost. Ensure they receive maximum light, but provide shade from direct strong sun. Outdoors, plant in acid or neutral soil in a sunny or partially shady position. Prune after flowering to contain the plant if necessary. Propagate in spring from seed that has soaked in hot water for a day. Germinate at 20°C (68°F).

Climate

Zone 9 (warmer parts) or zone 10.