What Is Torenia?
- Torenia is a compact and bushy, growing from 8 to 15 inches tall. The velvety flowers bloom throughout summer and into fall.
- Torenia grows equally well in sun or semi-shade. It requires a warm climate (ideally Zones 6 to 9) and a well-drained, compost-riched soil.
During hot weather, keep the plants watered, but don't let them stay soggy.
Feed torenia twice a month with a soluble plant food high in potassium to promote flowering. Pinching torenia's stem tips will make the plant bushier.
Torenia is not frost-resistant. - To start seeds, count back 10 weeks from the last expected frost. Transplant seedlings when the danger of frost is passed. They should be set at 6- to 8-inch intervals. Torenia occasionally will self-seed.
- Plant torenia after the last frost, and use them to replace your fading pansies. To get torenia's full effect, plant it in masses in borders and flowerbeds, about 6 inches apart.
Because they don't require lots of watering, they also work well in containers and hanging baskets. - Torenia is not just purple and lavender any more. For white flowers, purchase the cultivar Alba. Clown Mixed includes pink, white and purple flowers. Susie Wong has yellow flowers with brown throats. For smaller plants, choose from the Panda Series, which grow 4 to 8 inches tall.