Torenia in Hanging Basket

The list of summer flowering annuals for shady spots in the garden is not long. Garden impatiens (Impatiens x wallerana) is the first choice, seconded by begonias (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum). Today, wishbone flower (T. fournieri) is now available. 

Torenia blooms from spring to frost.  It is best grown in a moist, organically rich, well-drained soil and in part sun to part shade. Growth and flowering are poor in deep shade. Torenia struggles in hot and humid weather and requires shade protection against the afternoon sun. Like impatiens, it is not drought tolerant. Mulch aids in soil moisture retention and keeps the soil cool.

The two-lipped bicolored flowers are trumpet shaped with broadly 5-winged calyxes. A pair of stamens connect the anthers forming a “wishbone” of a chicken (use a little imagination). Torenia species blooms are pale violet with dark bluish purple lower lips and a yellow throat. The 2-3 inch oval shaped leaves are light green and relatively disease and pest free if plants are set and cared for in the right garden location.

Two series of torenia are popular at garden centers in the springtime: Summer Wave® Torenia from Suntory Ltd. and the Moon® Torenia series from Danziger, available in cell packs up to 6 inch containers. Blue shades are most popular, but other color choices include: rose, purple, lavender, yellow and white. The throat inside each bloom may be yellow or white.

Torenias are excellent as edging plants in garden beds and planted in containers or window boxes. New cultivars are more compact, do not need pinching back, and bloom earlier. They grow 10-15 inches high and 20-25 inches wide.