hyacinth bean

Lablab purpureus

AnnualFabaceae

MBG Plant of Merit 2002

hyacinth bean
Drought tolerantFragrantEdible
USDA zones10 to 11
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size10 to 20 feet tall3 to 6 feet wide
Growth rate
Rapid
Habit
Climbing
Bloom season
Summer, autumn
Bloom color
Pink, purple, white
Foliage color
Green, purple/lavender
Soil types
Sand, loam, clay, chalk
Soil pH
Acid, neutral
Toxicity
Toxic to pets

Garden uses

ContainerHedgeLow maintenancePollinator gardenPrivacy screen

Attracts

ButterfliesHummingbirdsBeesBirds

Notes

Hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus) is an annual vine for pollinator gardens, privacy screens, and hedges. It cannot take cold, and a freeze will end its season. This plant likes full sun and average to moist soil of most types. It climbs fast and can reach well over 10 feet, so give it a sturdy trellis. Pink, purple, or white flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.

Pairs well with Mammoth Grey Stripe sunflower, Celosia, and Pineapple lily.

Native range

Tropical Africa.