Torenia

( tor - REEN - ee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This compact annual species, commonly called Wishbone Flower, Bluewings, Nanioola'a, and Ola'a Beauty, needs partial shade in warmer climates and regular water. It is native to tropical Asia, and has deep purple flowers with yellow throats. These flowers are wonderful in pots or window boxes, and varieties come in a range of colors. They reach 6-10 inches tall and are fantastic in mixed beds, borders, and window boxes or other containers. 

Torenia Species and Varietals

The genus Torenia is a member of the plant family Lamiaceae and includes between 40 and 50 species. ​Wishbone Flower grows well in zones 1-24, H1 and H2. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Torenia fournieri (Bluewings, Wishbone Flower)
This species is typically grown as a landscape annual plant, and reaches between 12 and 15 inches tall when fully grown and in bloom. Leaves are green. Flowers range in color from blue and pink to white and yellow, and are often bicolored or multi-colored.

Torenia travancorica
Native to India, these plants are typically seen growing in evergreen forested areas and grasslands. These are creeping herbaceous plants, with ovate green leaves and tubular, narrowly winged flowers. Blooms are yellow and blue-violet.

Caring for Torenia

Sow seeds in pots and transplant them to the garden once the danger of frost has passed in your area. Wishbone Flower can also be purchased in nurseries. If they are grown in sun, make sure you provide them with a layer of mulch to keep their roots cool. 

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Torenia
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 634, Torenia fournieri
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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