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Genus Torenia (Wishbone flower)

Torenia Torenia fourieri 'Clown' series Photo/Illustration: Chris Curless
toe-REE-nee-ah Common Name: Wishbone flower
The Torenia genus is made up of 40 to 50 species of bushy annuals and perennials from high altitudes in tropical Africa and Asia.  Torenia have showy, 2-lipped flowers with yellow throats. These plants are great for summer bedding or at the front of a border or in pots. They also can be grown as a houseplant or in a cool greenhouse.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Tubular, flaring 2-lipped flowers with yellow throats. The species has purple, two-toned flowers, while various cultivars have pink, white, or lavender blooms.
 Care: Outdoors, provide Torenia with fertile, moist but well-drained soil and partial shade. Indoors, they need bright filtered light and good ventilation. Water freely and fertilize during active growth. Pinch out stem tips to promote bushiness.
 Propagation: Sow seed in mid-spring at 64°F and plant out after the frost-free date.
 Problems: Root rot, Botytis, and powdery mildew sometimes occur.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Torenia

Torenia 'SUNrenilabu' Torenia 'SUNrenilabu'
(Summer Wave® Blue wishbone flower) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This compact plant produces abundant blue, tubular, two-lipped flowers from planting time until frost. It is excellent in containers and as bedding.
Torenia fournieri Torenia fournieri
(Wishbone flower, Bluewings) Be the first to rate this plant

Wishbone flower is a small, bushy annual that is especially valuable because it blooms abundantly in shady conditions. The species has lilac-blue flowers with deep purple lower lips and a yellow-blotched throat. Cultivars are available in many colors including pink, rose, white, and burgundy. It's a great choice for edging and containers. Container plants may be brought indoors for winter bloom.
Torenia Golden Moon™ Torenia Golden Moon™
(Golden Moon™ wishbone flower) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Golden Moon™ brightens up gardens with unique, saturated gold-and-maroon blooms. This vigorous, low-growing introduction is loaded with flowers all season long. It is beautiful in a container.