General planting and care
Hardenbergia violacea, Purple Coral Pea or False Sarsaparilla, is a climbing or prostrate plant found in many parts of Australia.
A number of varieties have been developed for gardens including Flat White™ and Carpet Royale™, both in white and mauve. These are fast growing, low maintenance, heavy flowering, shallow rooted plants with long trailing stems forming a dense mat, and unlike most other varieties of Hardenbergia, these can be used in a variety of positions in the garden as they do not climb.
Planting conditions
A full sun to part shade position is preferred in a wide range of soil types including light clay or sand however, these cultivars will grow best in an enriched, well drained acid soil on a raised bed with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0.
They possess a low frost tolerance when young and can sustain significant leaf damage but will become hardier with age.
Transplanting
We recommend that you do not transplant Hardenbergia violacea once established.
Irrigation
Avoid wetting Hardenbergia violacea's foliage to minimise possible fungal problems. Monitor watering levels in the first season after planting and during the warmer months of the year to maintain adequate soil moisture.
Fertiliser
Fertilise with a general purpose three to four month slow release fertiliser in spring and autumn. Supplementary applications of a complete liquid fertiliser at two to three weekly intervals will assist with plant health and vigour.
A liquid feed of magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts) and iron chelates in April will also assist in maintaining strong vigour prior to flowering especially in sandy soils.
Mulching
After planting your Hardenbergia, we recommend mulching to a depth of 5 cm to conserve soil moisture and to assist with plant health.