A vigorous twining native pea bursting into sheets of purple flowers in late winter and spring. A reliable, fast cover for fences, trellises and banks.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 3 m H × 2 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Purple Coral Pea
Botanically, Hardenbergia violacea 'Happy Wanderer' is a fast-growing climber in the Fabaceae family, native to New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. It reaches around 3 m tall and 2 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Purple flowers appear in winter and spring.
Where to grow Purple Coral Pea
Purple Coral Pea suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Purple Coral Pea does best in free-draining, sandy and clay soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.2 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Purple Coral Pea performs well with relatively little water once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
Pruning & care
Prune Purple Coral Pea after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Purple Coral Pea in the garden
Purple Coral Pea earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, holding soil on banks and slopes and feeding bees and pollinators.
Companion planting & design
Combine Purple Coral Pea with plants that share its preference for happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Purple Coral Pea
Plant Sale lists Purple Coral Pea as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
