Hardenbergia

Hardenbergia is a genus of native evergreen climbing or scrambling plants, which flower in late winter. Best loved in gardens is happy wanderer (Hardenbergia violacea ‘Happy Wanderer’), which has clusters of deep purple pea flowers in winter. It is also commonly known as false sarsparilla.

It can be grown as a ground cover or trained vertically on a support such as a trellis or small arch. Plants will grow to around 3m high. There are also other colours of this plant including white (sold as ‘Free and Easy’), pink and pale mauve. There are also shrubby forms that grow under 1m. ‘Mini Haha’ grows to around 30cm high and up to 1m wide.

Growing conditions

Aspect Full sun to part shade.

Soil Widely adaptable but best with good drainage. In its native habitat, hardenbergia can be seen scrambling on dry gravelly banks.

Climate Suits all climates but protect from heavy frost. Hardenbergia violacea is native to eastern Australia. The species H. comptoniana is native to south-west Western Australia.

General care

Watering Adequate and regular water is important when first planted but hardenbergia is adaptable and drought tolerant once established.

Feeding and mulching Feed with a fertiliser formulated for native plant such as liquid PowerFeed All Purpose including Natives or PowerFeed PRO SERIES Plant Food All Purpose including Natives. Hardenbergia also benefit from seasonal application of a granular fertilizer during the year. Apply Powerfeed with Troforte Plant Food All Purpose including Natives during the growing season. Use leaf litter or fine gravel mulch around the base of the plant.

Pruning Little pruning is needed. Train plants that are growing upwards. Hardenbergia grows by twinning.

Watch for These plants have few pest or disease problems.