How to Grow Wishbone Flower Bordeaux
Wishbone Flower Bordeaux
Torenia fournieri 'Bordeaux'
flowerWishbone Flower 'Bordeaux' is a tender annual with deep burgundy-purple flowers that feature a distinctive wishbone-shaped stamen structure. The compact, mounding habit and continuous blooming make it excellent for containers, borders, and shaded garden areas. It thrives in warm, humid conditions and provides vibrant color from spring through frost.
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Best grown as an annual in zones 3-11; perennial in zones 10-11
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Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge in 10-14 days with delicate cotyledons. First true leaves appear oval and soft.
Maintain high humidity and warm temperatures (70-75°F). Use grow lights if indoors. Keep soil moist but avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy, compact mounding form with green foliage. Stems become stronger and more branched.
Pinch back growing tips at 3-4 inches tall to encourage bushiness. Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Fertilize weekly with diluted balanced fertilizer.
Budding
1-2 weeksFlower buds appear in leaf axils along stems. Buds are tight and purple-tinted before opening.
Maintain regular watering and feeding schedule. Ensure adequate light (though shade-tolerant). Watch for spider mites in low humidity.
Flowering
12+ weeks until frostDeep burgundy-purple flowers open, showcasing distinctive wishbone-shaped stamens in the throat. Flowers are snapdragon-like in appearance.
Continue regular watering and weekly fertilizing. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates.
Late Season
Until frostPlant continues blooming but may slow in production as temperatures drop. Flowers persist until first frost.
Reduce fertilizer frequency as growth slows. Continue watering as soil dries. Plant will decline and die at first frost unless protected.
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, mist foliage, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation occurs
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Inspect undersides of leaves regularly, use yellow sticky traps, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil
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Spray with strong water stream, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, introduce beneficial insects
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and
Remove by hand at night, use beer traps, apply diatomaceous earth around plants, remove debris
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryWishbone flower petals are edible and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Use as garnish for salads, desserts, or beverages for visual appeal and delicate taste. [source]
Container Gardening
HouseholdThe compact mounding habit makes 'Bordeaux' ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, and mixed container displays. Its shade tolerance allows gardeners to beautify shaded patios and balconies. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeWishbone flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects with their nectar-rich blooms, supporting pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftThe distinctive burgundy blooms add unique color and texture to small bouquets and floral arrangements. Individual flowers or sprays of blooms work well in mixed designs. [source]
Shade Garden Solution
HouseholdAs a highly shade-tolerant annual with vibrant color, Wishbone Flower 'Bordeaux' solves the challenge of adding visual interest to areas receiving dappled or indirect light. [source]
Harvest Tips
Wishbone flowers are ornamental and not harvested for food. Pinch or deadhead spent flower blooms regularly to extend the blooming season and maintain plant shape. Cut flowers can be brought indoors for small arrangements, though they are short-lived.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Wishbone Flower' comes from the distinctive wishbone-shaped stamens (the reproductive structure) visible inside each bloom when viewed from above.
- 🌱 'Bordeaux' is named for its deep wine-red coloring reminiscent of Bordeaux wine from the Bordeaux wine region in France.
- 🌱 Wishbone flowers are native to tropical Vietnam and Thailand, explaining their preference for warm, humid conditions and dislike of cold temperatures.
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