BUTTERFLY PEA, Clitoria ternatea

BUTTERFLY PEA, Clitoria ternatea

blooms all year long in frost free areas, perfect also as house plant

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Originating from the Indonesian Island of Ternate, this unusual member of the pea family is one of the most amazing vines to grow. These will bloom all year long in frost free zones or inside as an exotic vining houseplant. Technically a tropical perennial flowering plant, they are also easily grown annuals in more northern areas and will quickly bloom from seed in about 6-8 weeks. Flowers are solitary, bright deep blue with light yellow markings that are about 2" long by 1-2" wide. So named because they are a favorite food source for butterflies, Butterfly Peas are fast growing, up to 15 feet in a single season, providing quick covers for lattice, trellis and arbors or grow them in hanging baskets.

They prefer full sun to light shade, are very drought tolerant and are well-adapted to a variety of soil types. For those of you who have to ask, its botanical name, Clitoria, was named for the female sexual organ, which anyone who sees the flower will recognize the similarity of its shape and the female clitoris! Seeds are easy to germinate.