About

This fast-growing, twining perennial climber with dark purple-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
HabitClimbing
FoliageDeciduous
Height4-8 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
FragranceFlower

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