How to Grow Asian Pigeonwings
Asian Pigeonwings
Clitoria ternatea
flowerAsian Pigeonwings is a tropical climbing vine known for its striking bright blue (occasionally white or pink) butterfly-shaped flowers. It grows rapidly and is often cultivated as an ornamental in warm climates, though it has traditional medicinal and culinary uses throughout Asia.
When should you plant Asian Pigeonwings in your zone?
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Example Asian Pigeonwings timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Asian Pigeonwings
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Asian Pigeonwings blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Asian Pigeonwings dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-11; grown as an annual in cooler zones or indoors
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Seed Germination
1-2 weeksSeeds germinate and develop first true leaves
Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Keep soil warm (70-80°F) and moist. Germination occurs in 7-14 days.
Seedling & Establishment
3-4 weeksYoung plants develop multiple leaves and establish root systems
Provide bright indirect light indoors. Harden off gradually before transplanting outdoors. Maintain consistent moisture.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksRapid vine growth with increasing leaf production and tendril development
Install trellis or support structure. Water regularly and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Pinch back to encourage bushiness if desired.
Flowering
8-12 weeks (can continue through season)Distinctive bright blue butterfly-shaped flowers bloom, opening in morning and closing by afternoon
Provide full sun for prolific flowering. Continue regular watering and fertilizing. Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Seed Production & Senescence
Ongoing through season; dormancy in cooler monthsFlowers mature into seed pods; plant may slow growth in fall/winter in warm zones
Allow some flowers to set seed if collecting seeds for next season. Seeds are ready to harvest when pods turn brown and dry.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase humidity to discourage
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Use yellow sticky traps; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with neem oil
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Prune affected branches; spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap
Uses
Edible flowers and traditional tea
CulinaryThe bright blue flowers are edible and used to flavor beverages and salads throughout Southeast Asia. Butterfly pea flower tea is increasingly popular in modern cuisine for its vibrant color and subtle earthy flavor. [source]
Traditional Ayurvedic and Asian medicine
MedicinalUsed in traditional medicine systems to support memory, eye health, and cognitive function. Root, leaf, and flower preparations have been employed for centuries in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. [source]
Natural food coloring and dye
HouseholdThe vibrant blue flowers contain anthocyanins and can be used as a natural pH-responsive food coloring for cakes, beverages, and textiles. The color shifts from blue to purple/pink with acidic ingredients. [source]
Ornamental vine for trellises and pergolas
OrnamentalGrown worldwide as a beautiful tropical ornamental for covering fences, trellises, and pergolas with prolific blue flowers throughout warm seasons. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeAttracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it valuable for supporting local pollinator populations in tropical and subtropical gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in the morning for arrangements (they close by afternoon). For seeds, allow flowers to mature into dry brown pods on the plant, then harvest and dry further indoors before extracting seeds.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The scientific name 'Clitoria' refers to the flower's resemblance to a clitoris, while 'ternatea' derives from Ternate, an island in Indonesia where it is traditionally cultivated.
- 🌱 The flowers are heliotropic, opening in the morning (usually around sunrise) and closing by early afternoon—a feature that makes cutting them best done in early morning.
- 🌱 In Southeast Asian cultures, butterfly pea flower tea has been consumed for centuries and is now globally trendy as an Instagram-worthy blue beverage that changes color when lemon or lime juice is added due to pH-responsive anthocyanin pigments.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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