Also known as Bower Vine · 11 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
- PruneJune100% of varieties
Prune lightly after the main flowering flush to control size.
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Feed lightly with a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer.
- Check for PestsJune–August100% of varieties
Inspect new growth for aphids and check stems for scale.
- Winter PrepNovember and December75% of varieties
In cooler zones, move containers indoors or apply heavy mulch to protect roots.
Do
- Prune annually immediately after flowering to maintain shape and size.
- Provide a strong support structure for the twining stems to climb.
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
- Provide a strong, permanent support structure for the twining woody stems.
- Prune immediately after the spring flowering flush to shape the vine.
Avoid
- Do not cut back into old, leafless woody stems as they will not regenerate.
- Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
- Do not over-fertilize, which stimulates excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
- Do not prune into old, bare wood, which causes permanent branch dieback.
What goes wrong with Pandorea
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Clusters of small, soft-bodied insects on tender new spring tips, causing leaf distortion. | Apply insecticidal soap or knock them off with a strong blast of water. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and yellow stippling on leaves during hot, dry summer conditions. | Apply horticultural oils or miticides and increase ambient humidity. |
| Scale Insects | Small, immobile bumps on woody stems accompanied by sticky honeydew. | Apply dormant spray oils in late winter or systemic insecticides. |
| 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. |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing foliage, and dieback caused by overwatering or poor drainage. | Improve soil drainage, reduce watering frequency, and avoid waterlogged sites. |
| Powdery Mildew | White, powdery fungal coating on leaves in crowded, humid, or shady conditions. | Ensure excellent air circulation and apply fungicidal sprays if severe. |
| Sooty mould | Black, powdery coating on leaves and stems, growing on honeydew excreted by sap-sucking pests. | Control the underlying scale or aphid population; the mould will eventually wash off with rain. |
Making more Pandorea
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings of semi-mature wood in summer.
- Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- Insert into a moist, well-draining propagation mix.
- Keep in a warm, humid environment 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 11 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 spring, mid-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.