Hardenbergia comptoniana is a perennial vine that is native to the coastal sand dunes and plains of Western Australia. Also known as Native Wisteria, it is a fast growing plant that is adaptable to most soil and climatic conditions. The branches are easily shaped and from late Winter starts to produce purple-coloured pea-shaped flowers .
Suitable for Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
Hardenbergia comptoniana is a popular native tree species that is also called the Native Lilac, Wild Sarsaparilla, Native Sarsaparilla and Wild Wisteria Climber. It has no botanical relationship with the more popular Chinese Wisteria, but is much easier and faster to grow.
In ideal conditions, the Australian Wisteria can start to produce flowers within twelve months from seed germination. This species’ native environment is along the Western Australian coastline from Geraldton down to Albany.
For more Native species click here or for more varieties that are ideal for bonsai growing click here.
Growth
Hardenbergia comptoniana is a vigorous perennial vine that can grow to a size of 3 metres x 3 metres (9 feet) in around two years. Australian Wisteria is capable of growing in partly shady locations as well as boggy or clayish soils. They are also tolerant of salty coastal conditions and can handle mild frosts.
Young plants require trellises to climb onto and can be shaped to suit the grower. It is best to setup any support structures during the sowing or transplanting stage so that the roots aren’t disturbed.
Unlike Chinese Wisteria which can take up to 20 years to start flowering, the Australian Wisteria can produce blooms within 12-18 months. To view the Chinese Wisteria please click here.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Fabaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10 to 35°C / 14 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Tolerant to most soils including salty and clayish.
LOCATION:
Part-Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 3 metres (9 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 3 metres (9 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial Evergreen
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium
POLLINATION:
Insects, Bees and Beetles.
MATURITY:
12-18 months
GERMINATION RATES:
70-95%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak seeds overnight and then 14-21 days at 20-22°C (68-72°F).
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
40
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
No
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
No
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3-5 years.
FACTS ABOUT HARDENBERGIA COMPTONIANA (Australian Wisteria)
Hardenbergia comptoniana was first imported into England in 1810 by Lady Mary Compton and was named by Henry Andrews in her honour. Andrews originally named it Glycine comptoniana which was later changed to the current name in 1837 by George Bentham. The genus’ name, Hardenbergia, is derived from Franziska Countess von Hardenberg.
When the seed pods become ripe they make a popping sound when releasing the seeds.
