Hardenbergia violacea – Native Sarsaparilla
A tough and easy care climber or ground covering plant, this plant is spectacular when in flower, with many purple sprays of blossom. It blooms from spring through summer, and the plant fixes nitrogen from the air, which is good for the soil. It grows low to around 3 metres wide, and the dense habit smothers weeds once established, making it good for home gardens and larger landscapes. Also great for kids playgrounds. Low frost tolerance, drought tolerant, suits light clay to sandy soils, sun to part shade.
Sow seed in the warm months of the year. The seed has a hard coating, and needs soaking overnight to soften it. Put boiling water into a container, then put seeds in the water and let it cool down naturally. Plant the next day into seed raising mix, only just covering the seed with soil, keep moist but not wet until germination, which should be in 1 to 3 weeks.
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Scientific Name: | Hardenbergia violacea |
| Common Name: | Native sarsaparilla |
| Plant Type: | Large shrub, Ground cover, Climber |
| Height: | 2 ~ 5 metres |
| Width: | 2 ~ 3 metres |
| Flower Colour: | Purple |
| Flowering Time: | Spring |
| Ph Level: | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Type: | Sandy, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Potting mix, Poor soil |
| Plant Environment: | Low maintenance garden, Courtyard, Container growing, Cottage garden, Flower garden, Coastal garden, Drought resistant, Wildflower meadow |
| Climate Zone: | Sub-tropical, Warm temperate, Mediterranean |
| Light: | Sunny, Light shade |
| Growth Habit: | Evergreen, Dense foliage, Spreading |
| Lifespan: | Perennial |
| Soil Moisture: | Dry, Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage |
| Propagation Method: | Seed, Softwood cutting, Semihardwood cutting |
| Frost Tolerance: | Not frost tolerant |
| Plant Usage: | Topiary, Groundcover, Screen, Windbreak |
| Special Features: | Fast growing, Playground friendly |
| Attracts Wildlife: | Bees, Butterflies, Other insects |
The information provided on the Gardening With Angus website is provided for general educational purposes about a variety of Australian plants. We recommend you seek further advice from qualified professionals regarding your own individual circumstances. Further disclaimer information>>
WHERE TO GET YOUR PLANT
Once you have found the plant that looks right for you, the next step is where to buy it.
Most nurseries stock a good range of plants, but due to space and supplies, they may not always have the plant that you are searching for in stock. If they don’t, they may be able to order it in for you if you request it.
Specialist nurseries are also able to give great advice, and if they don’t have the plant you have planned on, they can often suggest alternatives that will also work well for you.
Below is a list of our favourite specialist nurseries. Click on the links for their details-
The Wildflower Place Erina – NSW
Newcastle Wildflower Nursery – NSW
Harvest Seeds And Native Plant Nursery – Sydney – NSW
Native Grace Nursery – Robertson NSW
Wariapendi Nursery – Colo Vale NSW
Sydney Wildflower Nursery – NSW
Geelong Native Plants – Victoria
Wimmera Native Nursery – Victoria
Forest Heart eco-Nursery – Maleny Queensland
Natives R Us – Traveston – Queensland
Manuka Native Nursery – South Australia
MAIL ORDER NURSERIES –
Angus recommends Bush Tucker fertiliser for native plants.