About
A fast-growing, twining perennial climber with mid- to dark green leaves with three leaflets up to 15cm long. In summer and autumn it produces sprays of scented, purple or white pea-like flowers, followed by edible green pods often flushed with purple.
About the genus
Lablab are short-lived, herbaceous, perennial climbers with twining stems, leaves composed of three leaflets and fragrant, pea-like flowers followed by edible pods
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeClimber Wall Shrub, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
Native toTropical Africa
Care notes
CultivationCan be grown as a tender annual outdoors, but needs a long summer to crop well. Alternatively grow under heated glass in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in full light, and liquid feed every two weeks until flowering
PruningPruning group 11, in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free