Meet the purple coral-pea, a charming climber. Found scaling the trellises of Melbourne Skyfarm and adorning planter boxes around the city, you can also spot it draping over fences, garden edges and along freeways – its cascades of violet, pink or white flowers in bloom from July to November. It has many forms and cultivars – one aptly named the ‘Happy Wanderer’ – varying from vigorous vines to slightly scandent mounds, growing 1-2m tall and 1-4m wide.
It’s a favourite among insect pollinators like native bees, butterflies and hoverflies. It’s also loved by plant species with whom they share soil – its roots house bacteria called ‘rhizobia’, which enriches the soil with nitrogen from the air.
Before colonisation, the coral-pea would have been found in the woodlands and forests on sedimentary hills, in areas we now know as Parkville, Carlton and East Melbourne.
Growing this perennial pea at home? Give it well-drained soil and full to partial sun. It grows in pots, and if you’re letting it climb, ensure there’s something it can cling to (walls won’t do). Their flowers will last a few days in a vase and can be used to make dye, its leaves great for tea.
Coming soon
With careful preparation, the flowers of the purple coral-pea can be used for dye and pigment, bringing a lovely colour to women’s weaving or when mixed with ochre. When needed, the vine can be used as a rope or woven to make and strengthen nets and traps.
‘Purple coral-pea is a classic Melbourne plant - the deep purple vines you see scrambling over fences and trees in winter and spring. It’s hardy, helpful for pollinators, and adds a rich burst of colour when not much else is flowering. It can also be used for dye and the leaves to make tea. So versatile!’
‘Known as a 'happy wanderer,' this resonates with those of us who have come from near and far and call Melbourne home. I love that the coral-pea is resourceful: while its flowers are delicate and beautiful, the leaves can be used to make tea, the flowers used for dye and it is a key food plant for certain butterfly species.'
‘Our purple flush that brightens up the end of winter this plant is a great garden addition. Sadly, not a good cut flower, but this plant is very hardy and a habitat plant for insects and even small birds due to its dense foliage.’
‘The flower of this plant has a hilarious face and looks like a Melbourne sports crowd when climbing on the ground, or on a fence. Useful for butterflies, tea, and dyes.’
‘A versatile species that could be grown in so many landscapes across the city e.g., on tram stops, green walls, fences, balconies. Easily cultivated and maintains an incredible floral display from late winter through spring.’
'As the only climbing plant in the floral emblem shortlist, this plant could feature in green facades, but will want to get out an explore your room if you bring it indoors. The purple flowers and distinctive green leaves make it easy to recognise. I confess, I like it best when it is growing as a very small plant mingling amongst other plant friends out in the bush.'
Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners
The City of Melbourne respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land we govern, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong / Boon Wurrung peoples of the Kulin and pays respect to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge and honour the unbroken spiritual, cultural and political connection they have maintained to this unique place for more than 2000 generations.
We accept the invitation in the Uluru Statement from the Heart and are committed to walking together to build a better future.
