Also known as Wishbone Flower · 7 saves
Torenia
Torenia, the genus most gardeners know as wishbone flower. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 4 most-saved Torenia varieties
Species of Torenia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Torenia in Sow
Save the Torenia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Torenia
Whats common across all Torenia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Torenia year
- Pinch TipsApril and May75% of varieties
Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth and more blooms
- PlantApril and May75% of varieties
Plant transplants or rooted cuttings outdoors after all danger of frost is past
- FertilizeMay–August75% of varieties
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, especially in containers
- DeadheadMay–September50% of varieties
Trim back leggy stems or spent flowers to maintain vigor and appearance
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Use it for shaded containers 🌑
- Keep the compost evenly moist 💧
- Pinch young plants once ✂️
- Feed containers regularly 🧪
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Let it dry out ❌
- Plant it in hot full sun ❌
- Set it out before the soil is warm ❌
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 |
| Slugs and snails | Ragged holes in the soft foliage, worst in damp shaded plantings | Clear damp cover nearby and protect young plants until they are growing strongly |
| Whitefly | Small white insects lifting when the plant is disturbed, with sticky leaves | Treat the leaf undersides where the young stages feed; use yellow sticky traps to monitor |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root rot | Plants wilt and collapse from the base in waterlogged compost | Keep the soil moist but freely draining; never leave containers standing in water |
Making more Torenia
Seed
- Sow indoors ten weeks before the last frost.
- Surface sow; it needs light to germinate.
- Pinch seedlings once before planting out.
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 4 distinct Torenia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 7 real gardeners — 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 frost, early summer, late spring to fall. 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.