Torenia
Snapdragon family
Scrophulariaceae
Tor-ren'i-a. African and Asiatic perennial or annual herbs comprising over 40 species and related to Mimulus .
Description
Stems much-branched, prostrate or erect, 4-angled. Leaves opposite, ovalish, toothed, and stalked. Flowers in stout, stalked clusters in leaf axils, or few-flowered terminal racemes. Corolla 2-lipped, the upper lip faintly 2-lobed, the lower lip 3-lobed, the central lobe blotched yellow at base.
How to Grow
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last spring frost. Transplant after danger of frost is past. Colors will be richer if plants receive light afternoon shade. Often planted beneath dripline of live oak trees in the Deep South. Prefers warm weather.
Torenia Fournieri
Wishbone Flower
. 10-12 in. (25-30 cm) high, upright. Flowers 1 in. (2.5 cm) long, 2-toned purplish blue, white with purplish-blue spots, or pink and white, all with yellow throats. Vietnam. Many cultivars are available, including compact or large-flowered types. A useful flower for borders, edges, and rock gardens, or for hanging baskets. Tender annual.
