Clitorea ternatea Butterfly Pea

Half Hardy Annual/Greenhouse Perennial

• Flowers in : Mid summer to autumn
• Germination : Experience Useful
• Aftercare : Care Required
• Ideal for : Borders, Trellis, Wildlife Garden
• Height : 6 feet

Description

A fast-growing tropical climber producing a wonderful display of 5cm (2in) blue flowers from mid to late summer. Ideal for covering trellis in a sheltered part of the garden where it will attract bees and butterflies, or as a perennial grown in a conservatory. Climbs 1.8m-2.4m (6-8 feet).

Sowing Instructions

Lightly scarify seed before sowing. Sow seed on the surface of a free-draining, damp, seed compost and cover with a layer of compost or vermiculite, 6mm (1/8in) deep. Place in a propagator or seal container in a polythene bag at a temperature of 20-25C (68-77F) until after germination which takes 14-21 days. Do not exclude light as this helps germination.

Growing Instructions

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots. Gradually acclimatise plants to cooler conditions for a few weeks before planting out after all risk of frost, 30cm (12in) apart.

Aftercare

Grow on with plenty of light, but shade from direct sun if grown in conservatory. Water freely during the growing season. Remove spent flowers regularly.