Description
Form: A twining vine.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Leaf retention: Evergreen in regions without freezes.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Mature Size: 20' (6m) long.
Flowers: Purple, pink or white, 3/8" (10mm) wide, pea-family shape, in elongated clusters, lacking fragrance.
Bloom: Winter to early spring when the days are short and temperatures range between 60-70°F (15.6-21°C). Above 70°F (21°C), flowers abort and blooming stops.
Fruit: Seed pod.
Leaves: Green, thick, lance-shaped, 2-4" (5-10cm) long.
Stems: Woody, twining, thornless.
Roots: Nitrogen-fixing*.
Wildlife: The flowers attract bees. Ants normally distribute the seeds.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Australia.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 9-11. Damaged by temperatures under 24°F (-4.5C).
Heat tolerant: It needs deep watering and full open shade in temperatures above 90°F (32°C).
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: This plant needs deciduous shade all day, especially afternoon shade, to survive temperatures over 90°F (32°C). Avoid surfaces that reflect heat. It needs full sun in the winter when it is blooming.
Soil: Well drained, pH 5.6-7.5 (acidic to neutral). This plant is intolerant of waterlogged soil. Use organic fertilizer and *avoid chemical fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorous.
Water once established: Deep water every one to four weeks depending on temperature.
First Year Care: Weekly deep watering during hot months will allow roots to grow deep and avoid summer heat.
Prune: After flowering, prune to make its growth more compact.
Litter: Low.
Propagation: Seed, scarified, soaked in hot (not boiling) water, and sown when the temperature is 68°F (20°C).
Uses: Ornamental.

Comments

This vine is a member of the Legume family (Fabaceae). Other common names are coral-pea and purple coral-pea.

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