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Nothing announces spring in south Florida better than the blooming of queen's wreath, Petrea volubilis. This vine, with its clusters of starry purple-blue flowers, is reminiscent of wisteria. Like wisteria, it can be trained into a standard small weeping tree. See http://www.botany.hawaii.edu/faculty/car...
This carefree lantana relative, hardy in USDA zones 9, 10 and 11, has evergreen, opposite leaves which are very rough to the touch, giving the plant another of its common names, sandpaper vine. A twining Mexican native, Petrea thrives in full sun or light shade. While not particular about soil type, it blooms most abundantly in soils enriched with organic matter. Like all denizens of the jungle floor, it prefers a cool root run and needs supplemental water, particularly during periods of drought. It looks especially pleasing when underplanted with lemon-yellow daylilies or next to magenta cockscomb, Celosia cristata. I have also seen it used effectively as a subject in a hanging basket. Petreas are relatively pest-free and are available in containers from specialty nurseries for $12 to $25. Since young vines are reluctant bloomers, purchase only specimens in flower. Queen's Wreath can be pruned back hard immediately after blooming. Propagation is by cuttings of non-flowering shoots in spring. Rooting is aided by a dip in rooting hormone powder or liquid. Petrea albiflora, a rarer, albeit less showy white-flowered form, is sometimes offered for sale at botanical gardens. Another genus of vines worthy of attention is Hardenbergia. Two outstanding members of this group are H. comptoniana and H. violacea, known respectively as Lilac vine and Purple Coral Pea. See http://farrer.riv.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/jpg/8... These easily grown Australian natives are frost-tolerant and remain evergreen in USDA zones 9 to 11. The leaves are a dark, glossy green and have prominent veins. Long racemes of periwinkle-blue flowers, evocative of african violets, cover the vines in spring and summer. Butterflies find the flowers irresistible and floral arrangers appreciate their long vase life. These well-behaved twiners reach 15 feet, making them excellent candidates for smaller town gardens. Cultivars with pink or white flowers are occasionally offered. When selecting Hardenbergia species to grow, it is important to consider their point-of-orgin. Forms originating in drier areas may not thrive in tropical areas and vice versa. If possible, select forms or buy seed from similar climatic zones to the area where they are to be cultivated. Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Choice Vines for Florida Gardens in Florida Gardening is owned by Julie Finn. Permission to republish Choice Vines for Florida Gardens in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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