Lablab: The Climbing Bean That’s More Than Meets the Eye
If you’re looking for a fast-growing vine that combines beauty with bounty, lablab might just catch your attention. This vigorous climbing plant, scientifically known as Lablab, has been making its way through gardens across North America, though it’s not originally from these parts.
What Exactly Is Lablab?
Lablab is a perennial forb herb – basically a non-woody plant that dies back to the ground each year in cooler climates. Think of it as a climbing bean on steroids, with heart-shaped leaves and stunning purple flowers that give way to glossy, purple-tinted pods. It’s the kind of plant that makes neighbors peek over the fence to ask, What IS that beautiful thing?
Where You’ll Find Lablab Growing
Originally calling Africa home, lablab has now established itself across several U.S. states and territories. You’ll find it growing in Ontario, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. It’s particularly happy in warmer regions where it can behave like the perennial it wants to be.
The Good, The Beautiful, and The Practical
Here’s where lablab gets interesting – it’s not just a pretty face. This climbing champion offers several appealing qualities:
- Gorgeous purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies
- Distinctive purple-tinged pods that add ornamental value
- Fast growth that can quickly cover trellises, arbors, or unsightly fences
- Edible beans and young leaves (though always research proper preparation)
- Nitrogen-fixing abilities that can benefit your soil
Where Lablab Fits in Your Garden
Lablab works wonderfully as an ornamental climbing vine, especially if you need something to cover a structure quickly. It’s equally at home in vegetable gardens where you can appreciate both its beauty and potential harvest. The plant thrives when given something to climb – think trellises, arbors, or even sturdy plant supports.
Growing Conditions and Care
Like many beans, lablab appreciates the finer things in life:
- Full sun exposure for best flowering and growth
- Well-drained soil (it doesn’t like wet feet)
- Warm temperatures – it’s definitely a heat lover
- Regular watering, especially during dry spells
- Something sturdy to climb on
In most areas, you’ll treat lablab as an annual since it can’t handle frost. However, in USDA zones 10-11, it may persist as a perennial.
Planting and Care Tips
Getting lablab started is refreshingly straightforward. Plant seeds after your last frost date when soil has warmed up. Provide sturdy support from the beginning – this vine means business when it comes to climbing. Regular watering will keep it happy, but avoid overwatering which can lead to root problems.
A Word About Native Alternatives
While lablab isn’t invasive based on available data, it’s worth considering that this African native might not provide the same ecological benefits as plants that evolved alongside local wildlife. If you’re interested in native climbing alternatives, consider researching indigenous vines in your region that could offer similar ornamental value while supporting local ecosystems.
The Bottom Line
Lablab offers an interesting combination of ornamental beauty and potential utility. Its quick growth and attractive flowers make it appealing for gardeners wanting fast results, while its non-native status means you might want to balance its use with native plants that better support local wildlife. Whether you choose to grow it or not, lablab certainly proves that the bean family has some surprises up its sleeve.
