Ornamental plant lovers often go for the Hyacinth Bean Vine as a perfect addition to their garden. This fast-growing and easy-to-care-for climber is an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels.
Native to tropical regions, the Hyacinth Bean Vine can be easily grown as a summer annual in cooler climates. It can even be grown as a houseplant indoors!
This exotic vine flaunts its stunning blossoms of amethyst and violet hues on eye-catching purple stems in the warm, balmy summer season. As these flowers mature into glossy, flat 3-inch pods, they hang as if glistening patent leather ornaments amidst a lush canopy of twining foliage. It’s no wonder why many gardeners are so drawn to this beautiful plant.
Types of Purple Hyacinth Bean
The Hyacinth Bean, or (Lablab purpureus) is often called purple hyacinth bean. However, if you look closer, some particularly special varieties possess distinguishable qualities compared to a generic seed.
Ruby Moon Hyacinth Bean
Ruby Moon hyacinth bean revels in beauty all season long with its majestic purple stems and lilac flowers illuminated by the luster of magenta pods. This delightful cultivar typically reaches a mature height between 10-20 feet. You can distinguish this variety thanks to its vibrant red-purple hue and flattened curved form. It has an approximate growth period of 90 days.
Silver Moon Hyacinth Bean
This gorgeous variety produces white blossoms, vivid green foliage and stems, and glossy silver-green seed pods. It can easily cover an expansive 20-foot trellis in a single growing season!
Caring and Growing Hyacinth Bean Vine
Want to add drama and texture to your garden? Then the Hyacinth Bean Vine is worth considering. Let’s take a look at how to care for and grow this impressive climber.
Soil
This plant requires nutrient-rich soil. To achieve optimal growth, choose a soil pH of between 6.0 and 6.8. Mix organic matter or compost into the loamy soil prior to planting. Choose a pot with good drainage, as too much water will rot its roots!
Water
This plant requires ample hydration. Thoroughly hydrate the whole root system when the top three inches of dirt dry. Keep the soil moist, not saturated.
When the summer is at its hottest and driest, your plants may need watering every other day. During rainfall, it can go multiple weeks without needing to water them.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant thrives in temperatures of around 70 F. However, it can also withstand higher heat and shorter spells of cold (provided it has access to plenty of water) with a minimum temperature no lower than 37F.
You can also grow these plants indoors as houseplants. To maintain a healthy humidity level, keep the plant well watered and mist it with water often.
Light
Choose a spot in your garden with full sun to plant your purple hyacinth bean. While this plant can survive and even thrive in partial shade, it will not produce as many flowers and may become susceptible to fungal diseases.
The majority of varieties of purple hyacinth beans are “day-length neutral.” This means the plant will reach maturity and flower regardless of how much daylight you expose it to. This unique trait allows them to grow in various conditions, making them an ideal choice for gardeners looking for something hardy and low maintenance.
However, be aware that some varieties of purple hyacinth beans may need days with fewer hours of sunlight and cooler temperatures to blossom. It’s best to speak with your local nursery about which variety is the most suited for you.
Pruning
In USDA hardiness zones 10 and above, purple hyacinth bean may be a resilient perennial. However, it will require occasional pruning. Over the years, woody stems can start growing, which won’t only look unsightly but may even lead to breakage of the plant itself if not managed properly.
As the season turns to spring, groom your hyacinth bean by cutting away any dead or broken stems with pruning shears. You can cut and trim as needed to achieve a specific shape throughout summer. If blooms appear sparse, vigorously rejuvenate the vine by chopping back its length to 6 inches above soil level for an effective refreshment!
Regular pruning is recommended to maintain its speedy growth. Once the vine has reached the peak of its support structure, take a pair of sharp shears and cut off the developing tip. This will stimulate even more side shoots for an equal spread out. Keep checking on it throughout the season and trim back as needed to keep this under control.
Growing Hyacinth Bean From Seed
If you’re lucky, you may come across purple hyacinth bean starts in nurseries for sale. However, its speed of growth makes it much more convenient to start from seed and collect the large seeds at the end of each season. This way, they are ready for the following year.
You can start growing hyacinth bean from seed using the following tips:
- Get a watering can, a glass of water, and vining support.
- Soak the hard seeds in a glass of water for at least 12 hours. This will enable them to soften and speed up germination.
- Wait until the last frost of the season has passed. Then sow your seeds into the newly warmed soil. Plant them 1-2 inches deep with 6-inch intervals for best results.
- Use the watering can water the seeds thoroughly. Ensure the soil stays consistently hydrated until sprouting begins (this is normally a 2-3 week process).
- Once the seeds begin to sprout, thin them as necessary. Plant your support structure close to or behind the plants. Doing so will stop them from becoming entangled on the ground while guiding their growth in a vertical direction.
For those who prefer the straightforward route, you can easily sow your seeds outdoors and still expect to see them grow just as quickly as their counterparts started indoors. However, if you want a head start on the growing season, it’s best to plant four-six weeks before your last frost date. Remember to harden off any plants being moved outside seven days prior.
Avoiding Common Problems When Growing Hyacinth Bean Vine
This particular plant is prone to relatively few problems, but it’s best to be aware of the most common ones. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Choose a soil that is well-drained and not overly saturated. Wet feet can cause your hyacinth bean vine to suffer from root rot or pest infestation.
- Give the vine enough space to sprawl without becoming crowded. Crowding can cause diseases and unhealthy growth.
- If planting in containers, use a good-quality potting mix with plenty of organic matter. Containers should also be well-drained and watered regularly to prevent drought stress.
- Finally, watch for pests and diseases that may attack the plant. Common problems are aphids, slugs, caterpillars, and powdery mildew. Treat these issues as soon as you see them to avoid serious damage or death of the plant.
Final Thoughts
Hyacinth bean vine is a great addition to any garden. Not only does it add beauty and texture, but it also provides an abundance of nutritious beans for your culinary creations. With proper care and maintenance, this fast-growing vine can bring plenty of joy to your garden all season.
