Enhance your garden with the charming and colourful torenia, also known as Wishbone Flowers. These delightful annuals are prized for their vibrant blooms and unique wishbone-shaped stamens, adding a touch of whimsy to your outdoor space.
Planting Calendar
Prolonged flowering period through summer
Prepare
Position
Torenia thrive in partial to full shade, making them an excellent choice for areas with filtered sunlight. Choose a location that receives dappled sunlight or morning sun with some afternoon shade to provide the ideal growing conditions.
Soil
They prefer well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Enrich the soil with organic matter such as Kings Compost to improve fertility and ensure good moisture retention. If planting in containers, use a high-quality potting mix designed for flowering plants such as Kings Container Mix.
Care
Watering
Torenia require consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Feeding
Fertilise torenia with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Choose a fertiliser with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to support healthy foliage and prolific flowering.
Mulching
Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as bark or compost, around the base of the plants. Mulching helps regulate soil temperature, conserve moisture, and reduce weed competition.
Spraying
Monitor for pests such as aphids and spider mites. Use organic pest control methods, such as neem oil, if necessary.
Pruning
Torenia generally do not require extensive pruning. Pinch back the tips of the stems occasionally to encourage bushier growth and more flower production. Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Torenia?
Torenia, also known as the wishbone flower, is a charming annual plant with vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms that come in various colours such as blue, purple, pink, and white. It's perfect for adding colour to shaded areas in your garden.
How do I plant Torenia?
Plant Torenia in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Choose a spot with partial to full shade, as they thrive best in cooler, shaded areas. Space the plants about 15-20 cm apart to allow for good air circulation.
When should I plant Torenia?
Torenia should be planted in late spring to early summer after the last frost has passed. This ensures the soil is warm enough for optimal growth.
How often should I water Torenia?
Torenia require consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Water regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
What type of fertiliser is best for Torenia?
Fertilise torenia with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. Choose a fertiliser with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to support healthy foliage and prolific flowering.