Hardiness zones
Sunset 8-24
USDA 9 (freeze protection) to 11
Landscape Use: Climbing accent, trellis on patios, house or walls
Form & Character: A subtle vine plant of passion, twining, intricate, interesting, tough.
Growth Habit: Moderate growing perennial, evergreen vine to 50'.
Foliage/Texture: Alternate, classic lanceolate leaf to 4" with margins rounded at base. Prominent mid-vein, medium green; medium texture.
Flowers & Fruits: "Strings" (racemes) of small violet to mauve flowers, terminal; fruit turgid pod to 1 1/2" long.
Seasonal Color: A wonderful display of late winter/early spring flowers, typically in later February in Phoenix.
Temperature: Freeze damage occurs if temperatures fall below 24oF.
Light: Partial light shade from western sun is best; will take full sun, but one should be careful to avoid placing this cool vine in a highly reflective radiation environment such as around lots full sun exposed concrete and asphalt.
Soil: Well drained, might need extra nitrogen and magnesium fertilizer in Phoenix's alkaline soils.
Watering: Irrigate regularly, but allow soil to just dry between irrigations.
Pruning: Severe renewal pruning to 1/2 or 1/3rd of size in April after bloom if needed to control spread as a vine, otherwise, none needed.
Propagation: Seeds need acid scarification and soaking in water for 24 hr before sowing because of the hard seed coat, germinate at 70o.
Disease and pests: Disease and pest free in Phoenix.
Additional comments: Purple coral pea is a dependable vine for Phoenix landscapes in mesic or oasis landscape designs. Purple, pink and white flowering, and dwarf cultivars exist. The genus name Hardenbergia honors Franziska Countess von Hardenberg, a 19th century Austrian botanist.
