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Hardenbergia violacea – Happy Wanderer

The Happy Wanderer is something special to see when in flower. Masses of purple blooms cover this lovely Australian native plant.


Botanical name

Hardenbergia violacea

Common name

Happy Wanderer, Native Sarsparilla, Hardenbergia

Happy Wanderer description

A very pretty Australian native evergreen climber or groundcover, the Happy Wanderer is particularly suited to large pots, covering fences, pergolas or trained on a trellis.

The leaves are dark green, long and narrow. Dark mauve, pea-shaped flowers appear on the vine in Winter and Spring, attracting birds to the yard. Hardenbergia violacea var. Alba (pictured) produces white flowers.

Climate

Broad range of climates

Plant cultivation and care

Happy Wanderer thrives in full sun to part-shade in a moist, well drained soil. Tolerates light frost.

Propagate from seed which should be covered in boiling water and then left for 24 hours. Seeds will swell and can then be potted up. Varieties must be propagated from cuttings.

Plant use

Native gardens, climbing on fences/pergolas/trellises (must be a strong support), pots, groundcover

Pruning

Prune well after flowering period to promote new growth.

Pests and diseases

No specific pests or diseases. Can be prone to attack by Scale.