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Hardenbergia violacea 'Happy Wanderer'

Image of Hardenbergia violacea 'Happy Wanderer'

John Rickard

Family

Fabaceae

Botanical Name

Hardenbergia violacea 'Happy Wanderer'

Plant Common Name

Australian Sarsaparilla , Purple Coral Pea, Vine Lilac

General Description

The vigorous and heavy-flowering 'Happy Wanderer' has lovely violet-purple blooms and is larger than the standard lilac vine. This tough evergreen vine has rich green foliage that beautifully compliments its elongated clusters of tiny, purple, pea-shaped flowers. Australian in origin, vine lilac naturally exists as a twining vine or rambling, shrubby groundcover.

Leathery foliage of rich green covers the plants year round. The leaves are oval to lance-shaped and often lustrous. As the winter sun begins to strengthen, the vine puts forth short, pendent stems covered with violet-purple blossoms. Flowering will continue up until late spring. There are several cultivars available with a wider range of colors including lavender-pink and white. All are bee pollinated and followed by brown pea pods.

Plant vine lilac in full sun and fertile, well-drained, non-alkaline soil. It is tolerant of more clay-rich soils and partial shade, but flowering may be slightly reduced under such conditions. Keep it well watered during the growing season then reduce irrigation during winter. After flowering, cut the twining stems back to allow them to rejuvenate.

This is a lovely twining vine for short fences or trellises. It may be grown as a houseplant in very bright sun rooms or conservatories.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    9 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Vine/Liana

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    12'-16' / 3.7m - 4.9m (12)

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring, Winter, Late Winter

  • Native To

    Australia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Vining/Climbing

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Purple, Lavender

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Foundation, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical, Vine

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes