Melinda Myers

Wishbone Flower

Botanical Name

Torenia fournieri

Height

6 to 12 inches

Width

6 to 9 inches

Flowers

Summer to frost: tubular, trumpet-shaped, two-lipped; pink, white, purple, yellow

Light

Part to full shade

Soil

Moist, well-drained

Planting & Care

• Requires consistent moisture
• Prefers cool locations, provide protection from hot afternoon sun
• Mulch soil to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool
• Torenia comes by its common name because of the pair of yellow stamens at the throat of the flower that come together in the shape of a chicken wishbone
• Great for shady locations in the garden
• Attractive to hummingbirds

Problems

Root rot, powdery mildew

Varieties

• Clown Series - All-America Selections winner in 1989, blue and white, burgundy, blue, pink, white, blue, rose, violet and a mixture, 8 inches tall
• Compact Blue - 8 inches, blue flowers with yellow and violet blotch on the lip
• Panda Series - blue or pink flowers