How to Grow Torenia Catalina Hot Pink

Torenia Catalina Hot Pink

Torenia fournieri 'Catalina Hot Pink'

flower

Catalina Hot Pink is a compact, bushy annual flower known for its vibrant hot pink blooms with delicate orchid-like appearance. This cultivar produces prolific flowers throughout the season and is excellent for containers, hanging baskets, and shaded garden beds. The plant reaches 10-12 inches in height and spreads 12-18 inches wide.

Looking for a specific variety?

Catalina Hot Pink Catalina Purple Catalina White Catalina Yellow Summer Wave Purple Summer Wave White

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Partial shade to part sun; 3-4 hours of indirect or dappled light daily; protect from hot afternoon sun in zones 8+

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top half-inch of soil is dry; more frequent watering needed in containers and hot weather

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Spacing: 12 inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60 days from transplant to first bloom

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Planting depth: Surface sow seeds or plant transplants at same depth as nursery pot; seeds need light to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Compost Peat moss Perlite for drainage Aged bark

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-11 as an annual; perennial in zones 10-11

3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny seedlings emerge with small oval cotyledons and develop true leaves within 1-2 weeks

Keep soil moist under lights or in bright indirect light; maintain 70-75°F; provide good air circulation to prevent damping off

Vegetative

3-4 weeks

Plant develops multiple stems and bushy foliage; leaves are opposite, lance-shaped, and soft green

Pinch back growing tips when 4-6 inches tall to encourage branching; continue regular watering and bright light; begin fertilizing weekly with balanced fertilizer

Budding

1-2 weeks

Small terminal flower buds appear at stem tips; plant becomes more compact as branching increases

Maintain consistent moisture and light; switch to fertilizer slightly higher in phosphorus to encourage blooming; ensure adequate air circulation

Flowering

8-12 weeks or until frost

Abundant hot pink flowers with darker throat markings and delicate ruffled petals bloom continuously; orchid-like appearance with small snapdragon-type blooms

Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming; maintain consistent watering; fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced or bloom-boosting fertilizer; provide afternoon shade in intense heat

Decline

Until first frost

Flowering slows as temperatures cool or in late season; foliage may thin; plant grows leggy if not maintained

Continue deadheading and light trimming to extend bloom time; reduce watering slightly as growth slows; frost will kill the plant in most zones

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Impatiens Begonias Ferns Hostas Coral bells Sweet potato vine Trailing ivy Caladiums Shade-tolerant coleus

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring full sun and dry conditions Drought-tolerant succulents Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and lavender

Common Pests

Increase humidity by misting foliage; spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap if severe; ensure good air circulation
Use yellow sticky traps; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap on leaf undersides; improve air circulation
Allow top of soil to dry slightly between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply sand layer on soil surface to prevent egg laying
Improve air circulation; remove dead flowers and leaves promptly; avoid overhead watering; reduce humidity if possible; fungicide spray if severe
Increase air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; spray with sulfur dust or fungicide; remove affected leaves

Uses

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Edible flowers for garnish

Culinary

Torenia flowers are completely edible and can be used fresh as a delicate, colorful garnish for salads, desserts, and beverages. The flowers add a mild, slightly sweet flavor and striking visual appeal to cocktails and plated dishes. [source]

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Cut flower arrangements and bouquets

Craft

The orchid-like blooms make beautiful additions to fresh flower arrangements and small bouquets. Their delicate appearance and vibrant color make them prized for floral design and table arrangements. [source]

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Container and hanging basket gardens

Household

Catalina Hot Pink is exceptional in hanging baskets, container gardens, and window boxes where its compact habit and prolific flowering create colorful displays. Works particularly well in shaded patios and entryways. [source]

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Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

The delicate flowers attract small pollinators, particularly native bees and butterflies, supporting beneficial garden ecosystems. The plant provides nectar throughout the long growing season. [source]

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Traditional Asian ornamental medicine

Medicinal

In traditional Asian herbal medicine, various Torenia species have been used in remedies. While Torenia fournieri is primarily ornamental, related species have ethnobotanical applications in traditional medicine systems. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Pinch off faded flowers regularly to extend blooming season—deadheading is essential for continuous flowering. Cut stems for fresh arrangements in the morning when blooms are most turgid. In frost-free zones, plants may reseed if allowed to set seed.

Fun Facts

🌱 Torenia is commonly called 'Wishbone flower' because the stamens resemble a wishbone bone, and there's a traditional practice of making wishes when pulling the flower apart.
🌱 The genus name Torenia honors Swedish botanist and explorer Olof Torén, who collected plants in China and Japan in the 1700s.
🌱 Torenia thrives in shade where many annuals struggle, making it one of the few flowering annuals truly suited for shaded gardens and partial shade conditions.

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