Species

Hardenbergia violaceaPurple Coral Pea

4 other cultivars

shrub

Purple Coral Creeper

Hardenbergia violacea 'Regent'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hardenbergia violacea, commonly known as purple coral creeper, is an evergreen Australian climber with stiff, leathery, dark green leaves marked by prominent net-like veins. The species produces dense, drooping clusters of small, pea-like flowers from late winter through spring.

'Regent' is a compact, upright shrubby cultivar that forms a dense mound rather than an aggressive twining vine. Its flowers are a rich violet-purple, each marked with a distinct greenish-yellow spot on the upper petal.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a dense, upright structure with striking violet-purple blooms in late winter when few other plants are active.

Serves as an excellent low-water, drought-tolerant shrub for coastal or courtyard gardens once established.

Attracts bees, generalist pollinators, and occasionally hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers.

SpeciesHardenbergia violaceaPurple Coral Pea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to pets

Bloom period

Late winter – Late spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to partial shade and exceptionally well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water the plant thoroughly upon installation, then allow the top few inches of soil to dry completely between waterings.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer formulated for native plants in early spring.

Pro Tip

Prune the plant lightly immediately after flowering to maintain its tight, bushy form; cutting back into old, leafless woody stems will prevent regrowth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

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.

Don't

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.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Courtyard GardensCoastal GardensLow-Water BordersContainer SpecimenFoundation Planting

Companion Plants

Salvia Rosmarinus Lavandula

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Purple Coral Creeper questions

What zones can Purple Coral Creeper grow in?

Purple Coral Creeper is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Purple Coral Creeper deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Purple Coral Creeper, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Purple Coral Creeper bloom?

Purple Coral Creeper typically blooms in late winter through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Purple Coral Creeper need full sun?

Purple Coral Creeper does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Purple Coral Creeper drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Purple Coral Creeper handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.