PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; full sun promotes the most abundant flowering; tolerates light dappled shade
Watering
Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established in well-drained soil
Temperature
Hardy to light frosts (-5°C); thrives in cool to temperate climates; avoid prolonged extreme heat above 35°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Glossy, leathery oval leaves (3–10 cm long), arranged alternately on slender stems
- Flower: Dense racemes of pea-like violet to purple blooms; rare white or pink cultivars exist
- Stem: Woody trailing or climbing stems with twining tendrils for anchorage and support
Care Guide
Watering
Water regularly during active growth and flowering; supplement during extended dry spells
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced liquid fertilizer once every 6 weeks during active growth. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to prioritize flowering over foliage growth
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush thoroughly cleaned eggshells to a fine powder; sprinkle a 1 cm layer on the soil surface and water in to release calcium graduallyPruning
- Prune immediately after flowering to control vine length and encourage dense new growth for the next season
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased stems to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
- Trim back overgrown groundcover vines to maintain a neat, compact form in late spring
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic; safe for cats with no reported toxicity
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental climber for fences, trellises, and arbors; erosion-control groundcover for sloped gardens
