Inside the flowers two stamens join at the tip, resembling a wishbone, giving the plant its common name of wishbone flower (Torenia).
Ginger E Long, © 2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Add more color to your shade garden and containers with the wishbone flower (Torenia). The unique flowers resemble a single snapdragon bloom and have stamens that meet in the center, resembling a wishbone, giving the plant its common name. There are two types of wishbone flowers: one that trails and one that is upright and compact. Both types are considered annuals.
The trailing type of wishbone flower is only available as a plant since it does not produce seeds. These are vigorous plants that perform well in the heat and humidity of summer. They are available in a range of bloom colors, including blue, pink, yellow, lavender, and white. The flowers are self-cleaning and bloom nonstop from spring to frost. They grow 6 to 10 inches tall, 12 inches wide, and trail to 24 inches or more. Plant them in hanging baskets, containers, or window boxes alone or with other vigorous plants. Use well-drained potting soil in containers. Water and fertilize them regularly. Use a liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Plant them in flower beds where they can spread. They thrive in morning sun and afternoon shade.
This type of trailing wishbone flower is available in nurseries, garden centers, or online. Look for Summer Wave® Bouquet, Summer Wave ® Trailing, Catalina®, and Moon™. Each series has many colors.
Plant wishbone flowers (Torenia Summer Wave® Bouquet ‘Deep Rose’) in containers for blooms summer through frost.
Ginger E Long, © 2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Small carpenter bees can fit inside a wishbone flower (Torenia Summer Wave® Bouquet ‘Deep Rose’).
Ginger E Long, © 2024 HGIC, Clemson Extension
The second type of wishbone flower (Torenia fournieri) is a compact plant with a very different habit. These grow to 6 to 8 inches tall and 8 inches wide. They are available in many flower colors, such as purple, pink, and white. These flowers typically have white throats and a yellow dot on the lower petal. They bloom constantly from spring through fall and do not have to be deadheaded. They can be used in containers or as bedding plants in the shade garden. Some commonly available varieties are Kauai™, Vertigo, Little Kiss, and Duchess™.
These compact types can be grown from seed. Start them indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the average last frost date. In mid to late April, after the last frost, plant them outdoors in part to full shade. The most flowering occurs in locations with morning sun and afternoon shade. Be sure to fertilize them with a slow-release fertilizer and mulch them.
When planting them in containers, pair them with other shade-tolerant annuals like coleus, impatiens, lobelia, and begonias. Plant them alongside hostas and ferns in the shade garden for a pop of color in summer.
Little Kiss Blue Wishbone Flower (Torenia fournieri ‘Little Kiss Blue’) blooms nonstop all summer.
Barbara H. Smith, © 2023 HGIC, Clemson Extension
The bright pink and white flowers of Little Kiss Rose Picotee Wishbone Flower (Torenia fournieri ‘Little Kiss Rose Picotee’) brighten up the greens of ferns and hostas in the shade garden.
Barbara H. Smith, © 2023 HGIC, Clemson Extension
The wishbone flower can be a colorful addition to impatiens and begonias in shady flower beds and pots. For more information on annuals, see HGIC 1152, Growing Annuals.
