Hardenbergia comptoniana

RHS Plant Profile

Western Australia coral pea

Dr John Hughes

Synonyms

Kennedia macrophylla Lindl.

Climber Wall Shrub Conservatory Greenhouse

A vigorous twining climber to 3m, with evergreen, 3-parted leaves to 15cm in length and drooping racemes of purple pea-flowers 15mm across from early spring

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained
pH: Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or East–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H3

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Fabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Climbing
Genus: Hardenbergia are evergreen twining perennials with leaves usually composed of 3 ovate leaflets, and profuse racemes or panicles of small, pea-like flowers
Name Status: Correct
Plant Range: Australia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Can be grown outdoors in moist, fertile, acidic soil. Under glass or in containers grow in a mix of equal parts peat-free, loam-based potting compost, sharp sand and leaf mould in full light with shade from hot sun. Provide medium to low humidity and when in growth water moderately whilst applying a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Keep just moist in winter and provide support

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 20°C in spring and soak for 24 hours to aid germination. Take softwood cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Patio and container plants

Pruning

Pruning group 11, after flowering.

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, glasshouse whitefly and slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free