How to Grow and Care for Asian Pigeonwings

Asian Pigeonwings is a tropical vine celebrated for its stunning, deep-blue flowers. Scientifically named Clitoria ternatea, it also goes by common names like Butterfly Pea or Blue Pea. This fast-growing plant quickly covers trellises and fences, and its vibrant blossoms and climbing nature make it a point of interest in gardens.

Identifying Asian Pigeonwings

This plant grows as a slender, twining vine that can reach lengths of up to 15 feet. It is characterized by compound, pinnate leaves, where each leaf is composed of multiple smaller leaflets arranged on opposite sides of a central stem. This structure gives the foliage a soft, feathery look.

The most recognizable feature is its flower, which has a distinctive shape often compared to butterfly wings and a vivid, deep violet-blue color. At the center of the flower is a splash of light yellow or white. After the flower wilts, a flat, green seed pod develops that resembles a common pea pod and contains six to ten seeds.

How to Grow Asian Pigeonwings

Starting from Seed

The seeds have a hard outer coating that can slow germination. To improve success, scarify the seeds by gently nicking the coat with a file or nail clippers, or soak them in warm water overnight to soften the coat. Once pre-treated, plant the seeds about an inch deep in the soil.

Light

For abundant flower production, this vine requires a location that receives full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can grow in partial shade, the number of blooms will be noticeably reduced. Ample sunlight supports its rapid growth and continuous flowering.

Soil

This plant is adaptable but performs best in well-draining, loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. Good drainage is important to prevent root rot. Amending the soil with organic matter like compost provides a nutrient boost that supports healthy development.

Water

While the plant is young, keep the soil moist with consistent watering. Once mature, Asian Pigeonwings is drought-tolerant but benefits from watering once or twice a week during hot, dry weather. This helps maintain its vigor and prevent stress.

Support

As a natural climber, Asian Pigeonwings needs a structure to support its twining stems. A trellis, arbor, fence, or a simple stake will provide the framework for the vine to ascend. Training the vine onto the support when it is young encourages upward growth for a vertical display.

Hardiness

This species is a tender perennial, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 10-12 where it can bloom nearly year-round. In regions with frost and cold winters, it is grown as a fast-developing annual. Gardeners in cooler climates can start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost to get a head start.

Harvesting the Flowers

The ideal time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the sun becomes too strong. This timing helps preserve the color and compounds within the petals. To harvest, gently pluck the fresh, fully opened blossoms from the vine.

The flowers can be used immediately or dried for long-term storage. To dry them, spread the blooms in a single layer on a screen or towel. Allow them to air-dry completely in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight until crisp.

Common Uses of Asian Pigeonwings

In the culinary world, the flowers are used to create a caffeine-free herbal tea. This tea is known for its brilliant blue color, derived from natural pigments in the petals called anthocyanins. A fascinating characteristic is the tea’s ability to change to purple or pink when an acidic ingredient like lemon juice is added. The flowers are also used as a natural food dye for rice, desserts, and cocktails.

The plant also has significant ornamental value. Its fast-growing vines are perfect for covering trellises, arches, and fences, creating a living wall of foliage and blue flowers. It can also be grown in hanging baskets, allowing the vines to spill over the sides for a dramatic effect.

As a member of the legume family, this plant offers an agricultural benefit. Its roots form a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen, converting it into a form plants can use. This process enriches the soil, improving its fertility for neighboring plants and reducing the need for external fertilizers.