Bonavist-Bean: A Colorful Climbing Vine with Purple Flair
If you’re looking for a climbing plant that combines ornamental beauty with edible potential, you might want to meet the bonavist-bean (Lablab purpureus purpureus). Also known as hyacinth-bean or lablab-bean, this vigorous vine brings a splash of purple to gardens while offering both flowers and food. But before you fall head over heels for those heart-shaped leaves, let’s dig into what makes this plant tick and whether it’s right for your garden.
What Exactly Is Bonavist-Bean?
Bonavist-bean is a climbing legume that originated in Africa and has since traveled the world, earning quite a collection of botanical aliases along the way. You might see it listed under old names like Dolichos lablab or Lablab vulgaris in older gardening books, but they’re all referring to the same purple-podded climber.
This plant is considered non-native in North America, having been introduced from its African homeland. In Canada, it’s established itself as a species that can reproduce on its own in the wild, though its status as invasive, noxious, or rare remains unclear in most regions.
Geographic Distribution
Originally from eastern Africa, bonavist-bean has spread to warm climates around the globe. While specific distribution data varies, this heat-loving vine thrives in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Why Gardeners Love (and Sometimes Worry About) Bonavist-Bean
Here’s where things get interesting. Bonavist-bean offers several appealing qualities:
- Stunning purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies
- Ornamental purple-tinged seed pods
- Heart-shaped leaves that create lush coverage
- Dual-purpose as both ornamental and edible crop
- Nitrogen-fixing ability that improves soil
However, as a non-native species with the ability to self-seed and persist, some gardeners prefer to choose native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems.
Garden Design and Landscape Role
Bonavist-bean shines as a climbing vine that can quickly cover trellises, arbors, or fences. Its vigorous growth habit makes it perfect for creating privacy screens or adding vertical interest to vegetable gardens. The purple flowers and pods provide ornamental value, while the edible young pods and mature beans offer culinary possibilities.
This vine works well in:
- Vegetable gardens with sturdy support structures
- Ornamental gardens needing quick coverage
- Warm-climate landscapes
- Gardens where dual-purpose plants are valued
Growing Conditions and Care
Bonavist-bean is a heat-lover that demands warmth and sunshine. Here’s what it needs to thrive:
- Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
- Soil: Well-drained soil with good organic content
- Temperature: Warm conditions; cold-sensitive
- Support: Sturdy trellis or structure for climbing
- Water: Regular watering during growing season
USDA Hardiness Zones
Bonavist-bean grows as a perennial in USDA zones 9-11, where temperatures stay consistently warm. In cooler zones, treat it as a tender annual, starting seeds indoors after the last frost date.
Planting and Care Tips
Success with bonavist-bean starts with timing and temperature:
- Wait until soil temperature reaches at least 65°F before direct seeding
- In cooler climates, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost
- Install support structures before planting
- Space plants 6-12 inches apart
- Water regularly but avoid waterlogged conditions
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Pollinator and Wildlife Benefits
The purple flowers of bonavist-bean are magnets for bees and butterflies, providing nectar during the blooming period. As a legume, it also contributes to soil health by fixing nitrogen, benefiting surrounding plants.
Consider Native Alternatives
While bonavist-bean can be an attractive garden addition, consider exploring native climbing legumes in your area that offer similar benefits while supporting local wildlife and ecosystems. Native alternatives often require less maintenance and provide better habitat value for local pollinators and birds.
The Bottom Line
Bonavist-bean offers an intriguing combination of ornamental beauty and practical value, but it’s important to weigh its non-native status against your gardening goals. If you choose to grow it, enjoy those purple flowers and pods while being mindful of its self-seeding potential. And don’t forget to research native alternatives that might give you similar garden magic with added ecological benefits!
