Hyacinth Bean
(aka Indian Bean or Egyptian Bean)
Lablab purpureus

Hardy to Zone 8
Bloom Time - Midsummer
Color - Purple
Foliage - Broad, oval
Size - Climbs to 10+ feet
Exposure - Full sun
Culture - This is an easy to grow vine (in the pea family) that starts to bloom in midsummer with clusters of delicate rose purple flowers which are then accompanied by dark maroon bean pods - the combination is gorgeous. The vine rapidly trails to 8-12 feet and is attractive grown on trellises, railings, tripods, pillars or low fences. It is especially pretty when grown on white picket fences. Sow seeds after the ground has warmed to 60 degrees and soak them overnight in warm water before planting. It does well in average soil and will even tolerate dry, poor conditions but of course it will be perform better with regular watering. Hyacinth bean will bloom well into the fall. Collect the seeds for planting next spring. It is grown as a perennial in zones 8-9. It is grown as a perennial in zones 8-9. Although mostly used as an ornamental plant, the beans are edible and are widely grown for this purpose in India and Africa.

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