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Shrubs, Vines, & Herbs
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Hardenbergia violacea
The 'Happy Wanderer'
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Commonly called Australian
Lilac, Hardenbergia is a member of the Leguminosae family. It is
native to the southern and eastern parts of Australia where it grows over and through nearby
low shrubs, has little inclination to climb and is usually found growing naturally as a compact,
sprawling ground cover along the roadside.
Greatly improved cultivars such as
'Happy Wanderer' do climb and are grown as vines.
Fast growers, they can be shaped into a mounding shrub or allowed to climb
up and over trellises, walls and fences. For best display, keep to a height of 6 to 8 ft.
They can also cascade down from
window boxes and raised planters. Masses of lovely, small, violet-purple flowers
cover the plant from late winter through early spring. Hardenbergia blossoms form
tight clusters that cascade gracefully from the vine.
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1. Soil and Exposure
For best results, grow in a well
drained, loose soil, which will allow the roots to become
established quickly. Although it is considered a bit of a drought tolerant plant during summer, it takes some
time to become established in dry areas.
Once established, we recommend watering
deeply and infrequently (once every two weeks)
rather than frequent and shallow waterings.
This plant requires full sun but will grow with some afternoon filtered light or shade.
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2. After Bloom Care
Once your vine has finished blooming, cut back about
1/3 to
1/2 of the plant to encourage lots of new
foliage (which means heavier flowering next season) and to keep the plant contained and not leggy-looking.
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3. Feeding
A regular diet of low nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium will give your vine the necessary
elements for good growth and flowering. Use Roger's Soil Activator monthly.
8/98
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Suggestion: Train your 'Happy Wanderer' to grow up a wall.
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