Torenia

I might be a bit behind but I am relatively new to Torenia. These unassuming little annuals, are perfect for low borders and pots. They do the same job as pansies and petunias and while each individual flower might be slightly smaller in stature, the sheer mass each plant produces makes up for it. They are the perfect summer alternative to violas - which don’t quite cope with the heat the same way.

Mostly the Torenia you buy at the nursery are hybrids, but the original species (primarily T. fournieri) are native across Asia. There is even a rare native species to north Queensland/Cape York Penninsula - T. polygonoides.

Apparently edible (or at least non-toxic) and also of use in fertilization experiments because you can easily see whats’s going on due to the ‘protruding nature of the embryo sac’ - go figure - us mere mortals are generally interested in their ornamental value as I mentioned before. Cheery, tough and requiring little maintenance (no dead heading - yay!). They are quite happy little self seeders - like violas! - so they should keep popping up and providing unexpected delight season after season.

Because of their hybridisation you can get Torenias in a wide range of colours from pale pink to darkest blue-purple. They will happily take full sun to part shade and as long as you don’t let them entirely dry out will flower happily until the weather turns cold.