This evergreen vine can grow up to 40 feet in height, but is easy to maintain at a much smaller size. Leaves are a mat green, sandpaper-like in texture. Star-shaped flowers are blue to purple in color and in clusters. A repeat bloomer during the warm season. Plant in full sun in a sheltered area and water regularly.
Google Plant Images: click here!
Characteristics
Cultivar: n/aFamily: Verbeneaceae
Size: Height: 0 ft. to 40 ft.
Width: 0 ft. to 10 ft.
Plant Category: climbers,
Plant Characteristics: spreading,
Foliage Characteristics: medium leaves,
Flower Characteristics: showy,
Flower Color: blues, purples,
Tolerances: heat & humidity,
Requirements
Bloomtime Range: Early Spring to Late Summer
USDA Hardiness Zone: 8 to 10
AHS Heat Zone: Not defined for this plant
Light Range: Sun to Full Sun
pH Range: 5.5 to 6.5
Soil Range: Sandy Loam to Potting Soil
Water Range: Normal to Normal
Plant Care
Fertilizing
How-to : Fertilization for Young PlantsYoung plants need extra phosphorus to encourage good root development. Look for a fertilizer that has phosphorus, P, in it(the second number on the bag.) Apply recommended amount for plant per label directions in the soil at time of planting or at least during the first growing season.
Light
Conditions : Full SunFull Sun is defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous, direct sun per day.
Watering
Conditions : Moist and Well DrainedMoist and well drained means exactly what it sounds like. Soil is moist without being soggy because the texture of the soil allows excess moisture to drain away. Most plants like about 1 inch of water per week. Amending your soil with compost will help improve texture and water holding or draining capacity. A 3 inch layer of mulch will help to maintain soil moisture and studies have shown that mulched plants grow faster than non-mulched plants.
Planting
How-to : Planting Vines & ClimbersChoose the planting site for your climber carefully: its long flexible stems may need some shelter, but planting right next to a wall might keep it from the sun or water it needs. Make sure that there's room for the climber to grow when it gets tall, and remember that it will grow towards the sun unless carefully trained. Be sure you will be able to manage the plant once it becomes tall, or that if it has a mind of its own, it won't become a problem.
Select a support structure before you plant your climber. Common support structures are trellises, wires, strings, or existing structures. Some plants, like ivy, climb by aerial roots and need no support. Aerial rooted climbers are fine for concrete and masonary, but should never be allowed to climb on wood. Clematis climbs by leaf stalks and the Passion flower by coiling tendrils. Akebia and Wisteria climb by twining stems in a spiral fashion around its support.
Do not use permanent ties; the plant will quickly outgrow them. Use soft, flexible ties (twist-ties work well), or even strips of pantyhose, and check them every few months. Make sure that your support structure is strong, rust-proof, and will last the life of the plant. Anchor your support structure before you plant your climber.
Dig a hole large enough for the root ball. Plant the climber at the same level it was in the container. Plant a little deeper for clematis or for grafted plants. Fill the hole with soil, firming as you, and water well. As soon as the stems are long enough to reach their support structure, gently and loosely tie them as necessary.
If planting in a container, follow the same guidelines. Plan ahead by adding a trellis to the pot, especially if the container will not be positioned where a support for the vine is not readily available. It is possible for vines and climbers to ramble on the ground or cascade over walls too. Clematis and Roses actually work quite well this way.
How-to : Preparing Containers
Containers are excellent when used as an ornamental feature, a planting option when there is little or no soil to plant in, or for plants that require a soil type not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is inferior. If growing more than one plant in a container, make sure that all have similar cultural requirements. Choose a container that is deep and large enough to allow root development and growth as well as proportional balance between the fully developed plant and the container. Plant large containers in the place you intend them to stay. All containers should have drainage holes. A mesh screen, broken clay pot pieces(crock) or a paper coffee filter placed over the hole will keep soil from washing out. The potting soil you select should be an appropriate mix for the plants you have chosen. Quality soils (or soil-less medias) absorb moisture readily and evenly when wet. If water runs off soil upon initial wetting, this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think.
Prior to filling a container with soil, wet potting soil in the bag or place in a tub or wheelbarrow so that it is evenly moist. Fill container about halfway full or to a level that will allow plants, when planted, to be just below the rim of the pot. Rootballs should be level with soil line when project is complete. Water well.
Corlia
Good day,
We found an Petrea in a pot, pot planted half way into the ground. (Renting the property). After heavy rain and wind, the cable ties that were used to support the plant broke and the whole climber fell to the ground. We then decided to take the plant out of the pot and re-plant in the ground. It was difficult to get out of the pot and some of the roots had to cut of. Maybe this was a mistake, because the climber’s leaves immediately started dying. We then cut it back, but the stems were lifeless and dry. We are still hoping for it to survive some how and keep watering it. Are we wasting our time?
Francine
We purchased our Patrea Vine at the Florida University Garden Club 4 years ago when it was about 2-3 years old and in a pot. … and it has grown to a good 13 feet now and we would like to relocate it to another spot.
Is that possible and what should we know before trying.
Or … will that kill the vine?
Pasquina Brilla
Good morning,
I love this plant and I would like to put it in my garden by the sea in the South of Italy. I just have one question: should I plant it on a roof garden, do you think it could cause damage to the waterproofing sheath of the floors? thanks of all. Pasquina