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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.2 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Purple Coral Pea 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 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Purple Coral Pea 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.
Buying Purple Coral Pea
Plant Sale lists Purple Coral Pea as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.