Torenia Fournieri, the Bluewings or Wishbone Flower, is a member of the Linderniaceae family. A low-maintenance plant usually grown as a landscape annual, it is hardy in USDA zones 2-11. The primary color of flowers is dark blue-purple with yellow markings, but can be seen with white or pink flowers with yellow markings. Growing 6-12 inches tall and 6-9 inches wide, Wishbone Flowers grow best in rich, consistently moist and well-draining soil in an area with morning sun and afternoon shade. This versatile plant can grow almost anywhere, including borders, beds, containers, window boxes, and hanging baskets.
Planting Torenia
Wishbone flowers are easy to grow and require very little care. Plant them in a rich loamy soil that is well drained. Choose a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. In hotter locations, full shade is best. Besides watering and occasional feeding, very little maintenance is necessary. Deadheading is not needed but can encourage additional flowering.
Watering Torenia
Wishbone flowers prefer moist, well-drained soil. Water needs are moderate, and it is best to water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch. Make sure that the roots are not sitting in soggy soil as this can cause root rot. Water the plant to a depth of 6-8 inches to ensure that the roots are soaked. Do not water again until the soil feels dry one inch down. It is best to water at the base of the plant ensuring that the foliage stays dry.
Fertilizing Torenia
Wishbone flowers bloom from spring to fall. Routine fertilizing will ensure that your plant has enough nutrients to keep the flowers healthy and blooming. Fertilize Wishbone flowers two times a month. An all purpose granular or liquid fertilizer will do just fine. Water the plant well after application of fertilizer.
Pruning Torenia
Wishbone flowers require very little maintenance. Deadheading is not necessary as this plant is self-cleaning. Self-cleaning means that the faded flowers will drop off on their own. For a bushier plant, pinch back the growing tips of the young plant. Each pinched tip will produce new growth.
Caring For Torenia in Pots
Depending on the variety of Wishbone flower you choose will determine the type of container to use. Upright varieties work well in larger pots. Trailing varieties are good for hanging baskets or window boxes. Place the container in an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. Plant in a nutrient-rich soil and keep the soil consistently moist. Fertilize two times a month for continuous blooming.
Torenia For Sale
Common Wishbone Flowers / Torenia Care Questions
Can Torenia Take Full Sun?
Torenias can adapt to full sun or full shade, but they really thrive and do will in areas will morning sun and afternoon shade.
Do Wishbone Flowers Come Back Every Year?
Wishbone flowers (torenia) are annuals and do not come back every year. However, these deer-resistant beauties are fast-growing plants and will bloom prolifically throughout the summer and right up until cold temperatures hit.
What Are The Wishbone Flower Uses?
Wishbone flowers make a great border, look fantastic in hanging baskets and containers, and can even be grown indoors as a houseplant.
What Is The Lifespan Of Torenia?
Torenias are annuals and do not come back each year, though they may self-seed and give you new seedlings the next spring.
Why Do Torenia Leaves Turn Brown?
Torenia with leaves that are turning brown may not be getting enough water or they may be getting too much direct sunlight and getting scorched by the sun.
Does Wishbone Flower Bloom All Summer Long?
Wishbone flowers will begin blooming in late in the spring and continue blooming right through the summer up until the first frost.
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Author Chris Link - Published 07-23-2021 |