Also known as Coral Pea · 48 saves
Hardenbergia
Hardenbergia, the genus most gardeners know as coral pea. We track 7 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Hardenbergia varieties
Browse all 7 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 7 most-grown of them.
The Hardenbergia year
- PruneApril and May100% of varieties
Lightly shear spent flowering stems immediately after blooming to maintain a compact shrub habit.
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release native formulation in early spring.
- Check for PestsJune and July86% of varieties
Inspect new growth for aphids and check leaf undersides for spider mites during dry summer weather.
- Winter PrepOctober and November71% of varieties
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base to protect root systems from frost in marginal climates.
Do
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
- Plant in highly permeable soil or raised beds to ensure rapid drainage.
- Prune annually immediately after the spring flowering finishes.
- Water deeply but infrequently once the root system is established.
- Water deeply during dry spells to keep soil moist 🌱
Avoid
- Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils that hold water.
- Do not cut back into old, bare wood that lacks active green buds.
- Do not use standard high-phosphorus fertilizers.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Hardenbergia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Cluster on tender new shoot tips, causing distortion and secreting sticky honeydew. | Wash off with a strong jet of water or apply insecticidal soap. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaf undersides and stippled, yellowing foliage. | Spray the foliage with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, ensuring thorough coverage of leaf undersides. |
| Spider Mites | Stippled, fine-speckled yellowing foliage and delicate webbing under dry conditions. | Increase humidity, mist foliage, or apply horticultural oil. |
| Deer and Rabbits | Browsing and grazing on succulent foliage and stems. | Use physical fencing or approved repellents. |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves, soggy roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery fungal patches on the surfaces of leaves and young stems. | Improve air circulation around the vine and prune out heavily infected foliage. |
| Root Rot (Phytophthora / Pythium) | Wilting, yellowing foliage, sudden collapse, and darkened, decayed root systems. | Improve soil drainage immediately, avoid overwatering, and apply biofungicides if caught early. |
Making more Hardenbergia
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take three- to four-inch cuttings from semi-hardwood stems in summer.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top two or three leaves intact.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and insert into a free-draining propagation mix.
- Keep the medium moist and place in a warm, humid environment with indirect light.
Seed
- Scarify the hard seed coat by gently rubbing with sandpaper.
- Soak the scarified seeds in hot water overnight until they swell.
- Sow the swollen seeds in a well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Maintain a warm temperature and keep the medium lightly moist until germination occurs.
Hardenbergia questions
How many types of Hardenbergia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 7 distinct Hardenbergia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 48 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, spring. 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.