Petrea Volubills is in a genus of evergreen flowering vines native to tropical Americas.
It is one of the most distinct and beautiful of cultivated climbers. It looks somewhat like wisteria with its dropping cluster of lavenders flowers.
Often called queen’s wreath or purple wreath, a bonus is that when in bloom it attracts pollinator bees, butterflies and, if you’re lucky to see them, hummingbirds.
This vine needs to be planted near a fence so it can climb. It grows well in full sun, but will also grow in partial shade. This vine is drought and wind resistant, making it great for coastal gardens. It can grow to 40 feet high, so you need to train it to grow along a fence or train it to climb a tall tree. It’s currently in bloom along the yard-waste fence at Sarasota Garden Club, 1131 Boulevard of the Arts.
Go to our website for events and classes SarasotaGardenClub.com.
Submitted by Kay Weber, Botanical Gardens Chair of the Sarasota Garden Club
Author: Siesta Sand