Hardenbergia violacea

Hardenbergia violacea is an evergreen twining plant from eastern Australia where it has a number of common names (coral pea, Australian sarsaparilla, Native wisteria) It is a woody stemmed almost hardy plant, flowering early in the year (typically January to March) Because of its evergreen and early flowering habit it is best under protection (min -4c). It makes a good conservatory climber, having said that a friend has great success in the St Austell area outside, it still flowers over Christmas and into the new year. Based on her experience I have put one out on a low sunny wall and so far it is very happy having not noticed the -4c frost we had one night. It is one of the most eye catching plants flowering in early spring.