Also known as Bower Vine · 4 saves
Pandorea
Pandorea, the genus most gardeners know as bower vine. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Pandorea varieties
2 species of Pandorea
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Pandorea in Sow
Save the Pandorea you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Pandorea
Whats common across all Pandorea varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Pandorea year
- PruneMay and June100% of varieties
Prune hard immediately after the main flowering flush to control growth and promote a bushy habit.
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser and organic mulch to encourage vigorous spring growth.
- PropagateJune–September100% of varieties
Take semi-hardwood stem cuttings or sow fresh seed in a warm, sheltered spot.
- Check for PestsMay–July100% of varieties
Inspect foliage for scale insects, mealybugs, and powdery mildew, treating with eco-oil if detected.
- Winter PrepNovember and December50% of varieties
In cooler climates, provide frost protection or shelter for young plants and tender tips.
Do
- Prune hard annually after the summer flowering flush to maintain shape and encourage dense new growth.
- Provide a robust support structure that can withstand the weight of mature woody stems.
- Protect young plants and tender new growth from frost in cooler climates.
- Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
- Apply a low-phosphorus or native-friendly slow-release fertiliser annually in spring.
Avoid
- Do not prune deeply into old, leafless woody stems, as they will fail to regenerate.
- Do not plant in poorly drained or waterlogged soils where roots will rot.
- Avoid growing in deep shade, which causes leggy growth and severely limits flowering.
- Do not allow the soil to become waterlogged, as the roots dislike prolonged wet conditions.
What goes wrong with Pandorea
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Clusters of small insects on tender new growth, causing leaf distortion. | Monitor new shoots and spray with eco-oil or insecticidal soap if infestations are severe. |
| Scale insects | Small, raised dome-like bumps on stems and leaf undersides, often accompanied by sooty mould. | Apply horticultural oil or eco-oil to suffocate the insects during their crawler stage. |
| Scale insects and mealybugs | Sticky honeydew residue, sooty mould, and clustered insects on stems or leaf undersides. | Treat affected areas with horticultural oil or eco-oil. |
| Sap-sucking insects | Clusters of small insects on new bronze growth, leading to sticky honeydew or minor leaf distortion. | Apply a horticultural oil spray or release beneficial predatory insects to manage populations if the infestation is severe. |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery fungal patches on leaf surfaces during humid or shaded conditions. | Improve air circulation, increase sunlight exposure, and apply a copper- or sulfur-based fungicide if severe. |
| Frost damage | Crisped, blackened shoot tips following heavy overnight frosts in cooler climates. | Leave damaged tips in place over winter as protection, then prune back to live wood in early spring. |
| Root rot | Yellowing foliage, wilting despite wet soil, and dieback of stems due to waterlogged conditions. | Improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and plant in raised beds if growing in heavy clay. |
Making more Pandorea
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood stem cuttings during the summer months.
- Dip the cut ends in rooting hormone to encourage root development.
- Insert cuttings into a well-drained propagation mix.
- Keep the mix moist and place in a warm, humid, sheltered position until roots establish.
Cuttings
- Select healthy, semi-hardwood stems
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil
- Keep in bright, indirect light
- Mist regularly and maintain humidity
- Roots develop in 6 weeks
Pandorea questions
How many types of Pandorea are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Pandorea varieties. The most popular — ranked by 4 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Pandorea grow in?
Across its varieties, Pandorea covers USDA Zones 9–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Pandorea bloom?
Most Pandorea varieties bloom in mid-spring, winter, spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Pandorea should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.