Western Australia is known for its diverse and unique flora, BUT Western Australia is also known for its hot summers. This can make having a beautiful garden, with vibrant flowers, very difficult if you also want to be water-wise. However, this is not always the case. Here are three beautiful flowering vines for Western Australia’s hot summers that are also very water-wise:
The Purple Coral Pea (Hardenbergia violacea)
The Purple Coral Pea (Hardenbergia violacea) is a hardy, evergreen vine that is native to Australia. It produces clusters of small, purple-pink flowers in late winter and early spring, which are a favourite of nectar-loving birds and insects. This vine is easy to grow and can be trained to climb walls, fences, or trellises.
This is a low-maintenance vine that is well-suited for Western Australian gardens. Here are a few tips on how to care for this plant:
- Watering: The Purple Coral Pea is drought tolerant and can survive on minimal watering once established. However, it will benefit from regular watering during dry spells. (This product is great for helping with heat stress; best applied before the stress but can also help after or during a heat wave.)
- Soil: This vine can grow in a variety of soils, but prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. To find out what your soil pH is use this kit.
- Fertilizer: The Purple Coral Pea does not require regular fertilization, but it will benefit from an application of a slow-release fertilizer in spring. (Here is a great organic slow-release fertiliser that can be used on just about every plant.)
- Pruning: The Purple Coral Pea can be trained to climb walls, fences, or trellises. The vine should be pruned regularly to encourage bushier growth and promote more flowers.
- Pests and Diseases: The Purple Coral Pea is relatively pest and disease-free.
- Sunlight: It will grow well in full sun to part shade.
In general, the Purple Coral Pea is a hardy, low-maintenance vine that is well suited to Western Australian gardens. It is easy to grow and will provide a beautiful display of purple-pink flowers in late winter and early spring. With proper care, it will thrive and provide beauty for many years to come. You can buy Hardenbergia violacea here.
The Flame Pea (Chorizema cordatum)
The Flame Pea (Chorizema cordatum) is another native vine that is well suited to Western Australian gardens. This fast-growing vine produces bright orange-red flowers in spring and summer, and its foliage is a lush green. The Flame Pea is drought tolerant and will grow in a variety of soils. Here are a few tips on how to care for this plant:
- Watering: The Flame Pea is drought tolerant, but it will do well with regular watering during warm, dry spells.
- Soil: This vine has a preference for well-drained soil.
- Fertilizer: The Flame Pea would benefit from a slow-release fertiliser application in early spring but does not require ongoing fertilisation.
- Sunlight: The Flame Pea will grow well in full sun to part shade, but it prefers full sun for best performance and flower production.
- Propagation: The Flame Pea can be propagated by seed or cuttings. We recommend using this rooting hormone to help root formation in your cuttings.
The Flame Pea is a hardy, low-maintenance vine that is easy to grow, drought tolerant, and will provide a beautiful display of orange-red flowers in spring and summer. With proper care, it will thrive and provide beauty for many years to come and be a great addition to any Western Australian garden. You can buy the Flame Pea here
Flame Vine or the Orange Trumpet Vine (Pyrostegia ignea)
Pyrostegia ignea, also known as the Flame Vine or the Orange Trumpet Vine, is a climbing vine that is native to South America, but is well-suited to Western Australian gardens. Pyrostegia ignea produces vibrant orange trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from late autumn to spring, adding a splash of colour to the garden during the cooler months. Read on for some tips on managing this plant in your Western Australian garden:
- Drought tolerant: Once established, the Orange Trumpet Vine is drought tolerant and can survive on minimal watering.
- Soil: Pyrostegia ignea prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.5 (find out what your soil pH is). It will grow in a variety of soils, but prefers rich soil. (If you just need a small amount of compost, this is a great option.)
- Sunlight: It prefers full sun to partial shade, but will grow well in most light conditions.
As for maintenance, here are a few tips to keep it healthy:
- Watering: Water regularly during dry spells and during the establishment period.
- Fertiliser: Fertilise in spring and summer with a balanced slow-release fertiliser.
- Pests and Diseases: Pyrostegia ignea is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be affected by powdery mildew, which can be treated with a fungicide. (Here is an organic fungicide that will help with Powdery Mildew and Black Spot.)
In conclusion, Pyrostegia ignea is a good vine for Western Australian gardens because of its showy orange trumpet-shaped flowers, low maintenance, and drought tolerance. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, and with proper care, it will thrive and provide beauty for many years to come. You can buy Pyrostegia ignea here.
Vines for Western Australia’s Summer
Vines are great ways to cover fences, lattices and add colour to your garden and vines for Western Australia’s summer are tolerant and generally low maintenance. Even with Western Australia’s hot, dry summers, it is possible to plant vines and have them flourish in your garden with minimal ongoing maintenance, particularly if you pick one of these three plants: Hardenbergia violacea; Chorizema cordatum; or Pyrostegia ignea.
