Also known as Wishbone Flower · 4 gardener saves
Torenia: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Torenia, the genus most gardeners know as wishbone flower. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Torenia varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedYellow Moon Wishbone Flower
Torenia fournieri 'Yellow Moon'
#2 most savedTorenia Summer Wave Large Violet
Torenia x hybrida 'Summer Wave Large Violet'
#3 most savedSummer Wave Large Blue Torenia
Torenia x hybrida 'Summer Wave Large Blue'
How to grow Torenia
What the Torenia varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Torenia year
- Pinch TipsApril and May100% of varieties
Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth and more blooms
- PlantApril and May100% of varieties
Plant transplants or rooted cuttings outdoors after all danger of frost is past
- FertilizeMay–August100% of varieties
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, especially in containers
- DeadheadMay–September67% of varieties
Trim back leggy stems or spent flowers to maintain vigor and appearance
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 💧
- Pinch back dead flowers to encourage more blooms
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t expose to full, harsh sun in hot climates
- Skip heavy pruning in late fall
- Allow soil to dry out completely ❌
What goes wrong with Torenia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Webbing and speckled leaves | Spray with horticultural oil |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Torenia
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Maintain soil moisture for germination, 2-3 weeks.
Cuttings
- Take softwood cuttings in late spring.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Keep humid and wait 4-6 weeks for roots.
Torenia questions
How many types of Torenia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Torenia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 4 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Torenia grow in?
Across its varieties, Torenia covers USDA Zones 10–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Torenia bloom?
Most Torenia varieties bloom in late spring to fall, early summer, late spring to frost. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Torenia 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.
Keep exploring
By hardiness zone
Design with Torenia in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
