Clitoria ternatea: complete guide

Overview

Clitoria ternatea, commonly known as Bluebellvine or Butterfly Pea, is an elegant climbing plant from Africa and Asia. This plant is famous for its vibrant blue flowers, though white and purple varieties also exist. The flowers have a unique shape with prominent stamens, making them very striking in the garden.

This is a fast-growing, hardy plant well-suited for vertical gardening, pergolas, and screens. In tropical and subtropical climates it grows year-round, while in temperate areas it's treated as an annual.

Appearance and Bloom

Clitoria ternatea grows as a twining or climbing herb, reaching 1-2 meters in height with support. The leaves are inconspicuous, dark green and pinnate. The real beauty lies in the flowers - large, striking blue blooms (5-7 cm) with a unique shape and prominent yellowish stamens in the center.

Each flower lasts only a day, but the plant blooms continuously from summer through fall, sometimes into winter in warm climates. The flowers attract butterflies and bees.

After blooming, long pod fruits develop containing seeds.

Ideal Location

Clitoria ternatea grows best in a sunny location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Full sun is ideal and promotes abundant flowering. In very hot climates, the plant accepts light afternoon shade.

The plant loves warm temperatures (18-25 degrees Celsius ideal) and cannot tolerate frost. In temperate climates, it's best grown as an annual or brought indoors in a pot.

Soil Requirements

Clitoria ternatea is not soil-picky and grows in almost any soil type. For best results, use fertile, well-draining soil. The plant is drought-tolerant once established and can even grow in poor soil. pH can be neutral to slightly acidic.

If growing in a pot, use potting soil with extra organic matter for better nutrition.

Watering

Clitoria ternatea is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first months after planting to encourage good root development. Once growing, you can water less frequently.

During extreme heat periods, water more often. In winter for potted plants, minimize watering.

Pruning

Clitoria ternatea grows fast and can become quite wild. Regular pruning helps keep the plant compact and full. Pinch the tips of young plants to encourage branching. Prune for shape after the blooming period.

The plant tolerates hard pruning well and will respond with denser growth.

Maintenance Calendar

Spring: Sow seeds or take cuttings. Place plant outside when no more frost. Summer: Peak growing season. Water regularly. Prune for shape. Fertilize weekly. Fall: Blooming reaches peak. Taper off watering as growth slows. Winter: In warm climate: stop feeding, water less. In temperate climate: take cuttings, bring plant indoors or treat as annual.

Winter Hardiness

Clitoria ternatea is not winter hardy in temperate climates and cannot tolerate frost. In USDA zones 9-11 it may survive if protected. In colder areas, two options exist:

1. Treat as annual: sow seed each spring
2. Keep in pot: bring indoors in fall before frost threatens

Potted plants can overwinter indoors in a sunny location.

Companion Plants

Clitoria ternatea pairs beautifully with other flowering climbers like Ipomoea (Morning Glory), Passiflora, and Clematis. The blue flowers work wonderfully with white or red flowers from other plants.

Combined with leafy shrubs as background, a lovely contrast is created.

Closing

Clitoria ternatea is a fantastic plant for those seeking fast-growing, flowering climbers. The vibrant blue flowers are irresistible. With plenty of sunlight, draining soil, and regular watering initially, you'll grow it effortlessly. This is ideal for summer-filling screens, pergolas, and trellises, or as a potted plant on the balcony.

Available at garden centres worldwide. Find more inspiration at gardenworld.app and gardenworld.app for additional plant collections.