Dolichos lablab
hyacinth bean
L. purpureus is a fast-growing, twining perennial climber with mid- to dark green leaves with three leaflets up to 15cm long. In summer and autumn it produces sprays of fragrant, purple or white pea-like flowers, followed by edible green pods often flushed with purple
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple White | Green | Green Purple | |
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Climbing
- Genus
Lablab are short-lived, herbaceous, perennial climbers with twining stems, leaves composed of three leaflets and fragrant, pea-like flowers followed by edible pods
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Tropical Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Can be grown as a tender annual outdoors, but needs a long summer to crop well. Alternatively grow under heated glass in loam-based potting compost in full light, and liquid feed every two weeks until flowering
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Pruning group 11, in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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