Wishbone Flower

Plant wishbone flowers in the spring after the threat of frost has passed. While they are annuals and will die at the first fall frost, they grow quickly and bloom profusely from early summer until cold weather sets in. Moreover, the plants are deer-resistant and attractive to hummingbirds.

Is Wishbone Flower invasive?

Wishbone flower does grow wild in Asia and can easily naturalize in a truly tropical setting. In warm locations (USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11) the plant will reseed itself. Even so, it is not vigorous enough in the US to be considered invasive.

How much sun do wishbone flowers need?

The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).

How do you keep torenia blooming?

Keep the soil moist, but never soggy, as the Torenia wishbone flower is susceptible to root rot. Care of wishbone plants should include a regular fertilization schedule twice a month with a plant food high in phosphorus, the middle number in the fertilizer ratio (NPK).

Does wishbone flower need deadheading?

It's not necessary to deadhead the flowers. In fact, some gardeners find the seed heads quite attractive. When the young plants are about three inches tall, you'll want to pinch back the growing tips of the plants to encourage branched growth and an attractive bushy shape.

Do hummingbirds like wishbone flower?

Torenia, also known as wishbone flower, attracts hummingbirds with its pink, purple or yellow tube-shaped blooms.

Is wishbone flower toxic to dogs?

Torenia is a summer-blooming annual that is non-toxic, making it a safe addition to a yard or outdoor space. Also known as the Wishbone Flower, this plant is not poisonous to children or animals. Torenia blooms are even safe to eat.

Does torenia bloom all year?

Blooms begin in late spring to early summer and continue until frost. Reaching 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm.) in height, pinching back new growth on top encourages the small, shrub-like appearance of the plant.

Does torenia self seed?

Torenia is a reseeding annual with glabrous stems and narrow, oval shaped, toothed leaves. Each year the plant covers itself with blue or pink blooms that are followed by winged-shaped pods filled with the tiniest of seeds. This plant reseeds itself readily.

Why did my torenia stop blooming?

Get Torenia To Produce More Blooms No flowers or limited flowers indicate the plant is stressed or not receiving adequate care. Proper light, water, and fertilizer will help the plant acclimate and thrive.

Can torenia be cut back?

Torenia is a beauty, and with some routine maintenance pruning, you can keep this annual looking full and lush throughout the growing season. Cutting the plant back to encourage growth may seem counterintuitive, but trimming the plant in the right spots at the right time will redirect energy into new growth.

Can you overwinter torenia?

Protecting Torenia in Winter This plant simply cannot survive cold weather even with cover or protection, so Wishbone Flower plants must be brought inside and grown as houseplants during the winter in colder regions. If you choose to grow Torenia as a houseplant, it will thrive when kept in a warm area of the home.

Can torenia grow in pots?

Torenia, also known as wishbone flower or bluewings, is a notable heat-loving plant. It can be grown in pot sizes ranging from 4-in. to gallon containers and is suited for hanging baskets and mixed containers, as well. A Zone 9-11 plant, it's a year-round color item if you're lucky enough to have a mild winter.

How often should I water torenia?

Potted plants need water more often than plants in the ground because the soil dries out more quickly. Torenia grown in a pot will still need water when the top few inches of soil start to dry, but this will happen more rapidly. Be prepared to water potted Torenia plants every couple of days or daily in warm areas.

Is torenia drought tolerant?

'Large Blue' is a hardy, drought tolerant variety that blooms early. Its blooms last throughout the season.

How do you take care of a wishbone flower?

And just after repotting please water your plants thoroughly. Then whenever you want to water your

How do you make torenia bushy?

Torenia does not require deadheading, but if you pinch the tips of growing stems, not only will the plant get bushier, but you'll get additional flowers as well.

How tall do wishbone flowers get?

Genus Name	Torenia fournieri
Light	Part Sun, Shade
Height	6 to 12 inches
Width	6 to 18 inches
Flower Color	Blue, Pink, Purple, White, Yellow

Does torenia bloom all summer?

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.

How cold can torenia tolerate?

Provide day temperatures of 75oF-80oF and night temperatures of 60oF-70oF. Low temperatures result in slow, stunted growth and bronzing of leaves. Plants can survive temperatures of up to 95oF, under partial shade and with proper irrigation.