That Blue!

Stunning Blue Pea Vine

 True, deep blue, the Blue Pea Vine, Clitoria ternatea, is a tender perennial in zones 10a to 11. It likes full sun, is a great climber, and self-seeds. A white variety, Clitoria ternatea, Alba, also is available. It grows well in my Central Florida garden and tolerates a short, light frost. You’re guaranteed continuous plants because it self-sows, even though it is a tender perennial in Central and South Florida. It blooms most often in the warmer days of spring, summer, and fall. It is possible it could be grown as an annual in colder areas, but plants must be started inside long before the last frost to ensure enough time and growth for blooms to appear.

I found my first blue pea vine at Tropical Ranch Botanical Gardens in Stuart, Florida. When I killed it by trimming too close with the weed whacker, I had trouble finding a replacement. It’s an unusual plant, so you won’t find it at the big box store garden centers. I found seeds online from Onalee’s Seeds. I recently saw plants at Giverny Gardens in Jupiter, Florida.

It’s easy to grow with a minimum of care. It’s a favorite of mine because of the stunning blue flowers that attract bees and butterflies.

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Note: I’m continuing a three-day, flower-a-day challenge I was given on Facebook. I want to provide more information about the flowers I grow, so I’ve moved the flowers to my blog. I will have seeds available for the blue pea vine in another month. You can contact me at mysistersgarden@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing them.