Hardenbergia

Family. Legumes.

Origin. Australia, Tanzania.

Description. Hardenbergia is a climbing, fast-growing evergreen liana that naturally twines around the stems of other plants. There are also shrub forms. The leaves are dark green, shiny, ovoid, with prominent veins, 75-100 mm long. The flowers have a typical bean shape, consist of 4 petals, small - only about 1 cm in diameter, usually purple, but some varieties also have pink and white shades, collected in inflorescences - loose brushes.

Height. The length of shoots in nature reaches 10 meters, in culture - about 2 m.

Hardenbergia - home care

Temperature conditions

Moderate - warm content with a temperature of about 20 C. In winter, a decrease to 5 ° C is possible.

Lighting

Brightly lit, sunny conditions promote abundant flowering. 

Care

The plant needs support. To maintain its shape, hardenbergia requires minimal pruning, but it can easily tolerate severe pruning in late spring (after flowering has finished).

Substrate

Easily adapts to most soils and prefers well-drained soil mixtures. Suitable acidic and neutral pH values ​​from 5.5 to 7.0.

Feeding

Monthly during the growing season. 

Flowering time

March - April, for a long period of time. 

Air humidity

Not demanding, spray periodically to prevent pests. 

Soil moisture

Regular watering during the period of active growth, reduce the frequency of watering in the cold season. In any case, allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings.

Transplant

As it grows and develops, and also if it is necessary to change the soil, in the spring. 

Reproduction

Easily propagated by seeds. You must first saw them with a rasp to destroy the hard outer shell or scald them with boiling water. The seeds remain viable for several years. Half-ripened stem cuttings, which are rooted in July-August in damp sand.

Pests and diseases

Rarely. Of the harmful insects, the main danger may be spider mites and mealybugs.