Petrea Volubilis: Queen's Wreath Vine For Cool Colour In The Tropics!

Native to South America, this frost-tender climber produces sprays of bright blue star-shaped petals over a light blue calyx. Often referred to as Bluebird Vine or Queens Wreath.  

Petrea begins blooming in spring and continues into summer in full to part sun. Ideal for warm humid climates, Queens Wreath can reach over 30 feet in tropical conditions, but can be container grown in colder climates and will remain 10-20 feet.

Non-aggressive, this woody vine can be allowed to twine on arbors and trellises where racemes of blooms will drape as much as 12 inches long. Attractive to butterflies, this rare vine displays an uncommon shade of blue and adds great beauty to any garden.

Petrea is probably only hardy from USDA Zones 10A/B and 11.  It isn't particular as to soil requirements, but it does bloom better when: plant is fed four times per year with any quality "bloom special."  It has a relatively high water/irrigation requirement.  In addition, for best bloom your Petrea should have over 8 hours of full sunshine.

The Queen's Wreath vine is an excellent host for several species of butterflies which makes addition of this flowering vine a "MUST" for a more "cottage look" garden: informal, but still "drenched" with vivid eye-popping & cooling blue/purple in colour.