Also known as Coral Pea · 14 saves
Hardenbergia
Hardenbergia, the genus most gardeners know as coral pea. We track 6 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 6 most-saved Hardenbergia varieties
2 species of Hardenbergia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Hardenbergia in Sow
Save the Hardenbergia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Hardenbergia
Whats common across all Hardenbergia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 6 most-grown of them.
The Hardenbergia year
- PruneMay100% of varieties
Lightly trim back spent flower racemes to maintain the compact, mounded shape.
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply a slow-release native or low-phosphorus balanced fertiliser to support new growth.
- PropagateJune–August83% of varieties
Take semi-hardwood cuttings from firm, current-season growth for propagation.
- Check for PestsApril, May, June and October83% of varieties
Inspect new growth for aphids and scale insects, treating with horticultural oil if found.
Do
- Water regularly during extended dry spells until the root system is fully established.
- Apply a low-phosphorus or balanced native slow-release fertiliser annually in spring.
- Provide protection from heavy or severe frosts while the plant is young.
- Water deeply during dry spells to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune lightly after flowering to shape the plant
Avoid
- Do not plant in waterlogged or poorly drained soils, which triggers root rot.
- Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood that lacks active green foliage.
- Do not use high-phosphorus fertilisers, as native plants perform best with low-phosphorus formulations.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Hardenbergia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Clusters of small, soft-bodied green or black insects on tender new growth, causing leaf curling. | Wash off with a strong jet of water or apply an insecticidal soap if infestations persist. |
| Scale insects | Small, brown or white dome-like bumps on stems and leaf undersides, often accompanied by sticky honeydew or black sooty mould. | Spray affected areas with a horticultural oil or soap solution during cool weather to suffocate the insects. |
| Scale insects and aphids | Sticky honeydew residue on leaves, black sooty mould, and distorted new shoot tips. | Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, and encourage predatory insects. |
| Leaf skeletonising caterpillars | Chewed leaf margins and skeletonised leaf tissue where soft tissue is eaten between veins. | Monitor foliage regularly and hand-pick caterpillars or apply targeted biological controls if damage is severe. |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery patches or spots on the leaves, typically appearing during cool, damp weather. | Prune the center of the plant selectively to improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. |
| Phytophthora root rot | Sudden wilting, yellowing leaves, and dieback of branches, caused by waterlogged soil. | Ensure excellent soil drainage and avoid overwatering; drench with a systemic fungicide if symptoms appear early. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves, soggy roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Hardenbergia
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take 10-15 cm cuttings of semi-hardwood stems in late summer.
- Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut base into rooting hormone powder.
- Insert the cuttings into a well-draining propagation mix of perlite and peat.
- Keep the medium moist and place in a warm, humid, indirectly lit position until roots form.
Seed
- Scarify the hard seed coat by pouring hot water over the seeds.
- Soak the seeds overnight in the cooling water until they swell.
- Sow the swollen seeds into a well-draining seed raising mix.
- Keep moist in a warm, brightly lit position until germination occurs.
Hardenbergia questions
How many types of Hardenbergia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 6 distinct Hardenbergia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 14 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Hardenbergia grow in?
Across its varieties, Hardenbergia covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Hardenbergia bloom?
Most Hardenbergia varieties bloom in late winter, winter. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Hardenbergia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.