Lifecycle of the Perfect Climbing Vine

One of my favorite climbing annuals is
Lablab purpureus, or Hyacinth Bean.
I discovered this vine when I found it
climbing the side of an charming, old,
brick home in Portland, Maine.
I "borrowed" a few mature pods and
my love affair began.

It produces lovely lilac flowers and striking
electric-purple seed pods that last for months.
This vigorous climber is great if you need a
quick screen on a trellis or fence. It grows fast
and has beautiful, fragrant flowers that attract
butterflies and hummingbirds. Even better,
the leaves, flowers, pods, seeds, and roots
of the Hyacinth Bean are edible.

Let pods stay on the stem until dry.