How to Grow Wishbone Flower Catalina
Wikimedia Commons
Wishbone Flower Catalina
Torenia fournieri 'Catalina'
flowerWishbone Flower Catalina is a compact, bushy annual ornamental known for its delicate, orchid-like flowers with distinctive stamens that resemble a wishbone. The 'Catalina' cultivar produces abundant blooms in shades of purple, pink, blue, or white with contrasting yellow throats. It thrives as a bedding plant, container plant, or groundcover in shaded to partially shaded gardens.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Wishbone Flower Catalina in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Wishbone Flower Catalina timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Wishbone Flower Catalina
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Wishbone Flower Catalina blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Wishbone Flower Catalina dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-10; grown as tender annual in cooler zones
Sign up free to see if Wishbone Flower Catalina grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Wishbone Flower Catalina timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with small oval cotyledons; very delicate and slow-growing initially
Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture. Provide bright, indirect light. Keep temperature between 65-75°F. Use a heat mat if starting indoors
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with small opposite leaves; compact mounding habit forms; no flowers yet
Pinch growing tips when 3-4 inches tall to encourage branching. Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Fertilize every 2 weeks with balanced, dilute fertilizer
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds appear at branch tips; plant becomes more compact and rounded
Maintain consistent watering schedule. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer; switch to blooming formula. Ensure adequate light to prevent leggy growth
Flowering
8-12 weeks (continuous until frost)Abundant small orchid-like flowers bloom in clusters; characteristic snapdragon-like form with yellow throat; distinctive wishbone-shaped stamens visible inside
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to prolong blooming. Maintain consistent moisture and humidity. Apply low-nitrogen fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates
Decline
Variable; until first frost or end of seasonPlant becomes leggy; flowering slows as temperatures drop or day length shortens; foliage may yellow
In warm zones, cut back hard to rejuvenate for fall blooms. In cool zones, plant will decline with first frost. Remove and compost spent plants
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Increase humidity; mist foliage regularly. Spray with water to dislodge. Use neem oil or miticide if severe
-
Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil. Ensure good air circulation
-
Isolate affected plants; spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Remove by hand with alcohol-soaked cotton swab
-
and
Hand-pick early morning or evening. Create barriers with coarse sand or diatomaceous earth. Beer traps; copper tape around containers
-
Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Spray with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicide. Remove severely affected leaves
Uses
Edible flowers
CulinaryWishbone flower petals are edible and non-toxic, offering a delicate, slightly sweet flavor with an orchid-like appearance. They make attractive garnishes for salads, desserts, and beverages [source]
Cut flower arrangements
HouseholdThe dainty, long-lasting blooms are excellent for fresh floral arrangements, particularly in shade-garden-themed displays. Cut stems last 5-7 days in fresh water [source]
Dried flower crafts
CraftFlowers can be pressed or air-dried for use in pressed flower art, bookmarks, and craft projects. The delicate form maintains its structure well when dried properly [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeWishbone flowers attract bees and other pollinators while thriving in shade where many other flowering plants struggle. They provide valuable nectar and pollen for beneficial insects [source]
Shade garden landscaping
HouseholdPerfect for brightening shaded patios, under-tree areas, and woodland gardens where few annuals flourish. Ideal for container gardens in homes with limited light exposure [source]
Harvest Tips
Wishbone Flowers are ornamental; no traditional harvest. Deadhead spent blooms regularly by pinching or cutting just below the spent flower cluster to encourage continuous flowering. Flowers last longer in vases with frequent water changes if cut for indoor arrangements
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'wishbone' in the plant's name refers to the distinctive Y-shaped stamens inside the flower that resemble a chicken's wishbone
- 🌱 Despite their delicate appearance, Wishbone Flowers tolerate shade exceptionally well compared to most flowering annuals, making them ideal for difficult garden spots
- 🌱 The flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects that crawl inside seeking nectar; the sticky pollen grains often stick to pollinators' bodies
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Wishbone Flower Catalina planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Wishbone Flower Catalina seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Wishbone Flower Catalina timeline →