A vigorous evergreen climber that smothers fences and trellises in cascades of purple pea flowers through late winter — one of the first natives to announce spring.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 2 m tall
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Native Sarsaparilla
Botanically, Hardenbergia violacea is a fast-growing climber in the Fabaceae family, native to New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania. It reaches around 2 m tall at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Purple flowers appear in winter and spring.
Where to grow Native Sarsaparilla
Native Sarsaparilla suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Native Sarsaparilla provided drainage is reasonable. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Native Sarsaparilla is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Native Sarsaparilla after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Native Sarsaparilla in the garden
Native Sarsaparilla earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, pots and courtyard containers and holding soil on banks and slopes. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Native Sarsaparilla with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.